Titans' Cam Ward Dismisses 'Hype' Around Rookie Season, 'There's a Target On My Back'

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward says he is trying to avoid the buzz surrounding his rookie season even while believing his selection at the top of the 2025 NFL draft has put a "target" on his back.

“I don’t care about the hype. I don't care about social media," Ward told The Athletic's Jeff Howe on Tuesday. "All I care about is this 100-yard field."

Ward continued, per Howe: “I don’t think I’m being welcomed in (the league) with open arms. I was the first pick. I’m blessed to be that. But at the end of the day, there’s a target on my back.

"There’s a target on everyone’s back in the league, but I’m trying to prove myself to my teammates.”

The former Miami quarterback likely at least expected a competition for the Week 1 starting job when he joined Will Levis on the Titans' depth chart this offseason.

The July 21 announcement that Levis would need to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery erased any question Ward would be considered the presumptive QB1 heading into his rookie season.

The Titans will hope a revamped offensive line will help give Ward some protection as he gears up for his first pro campaign.

Caleb Williams, who started all 17 games for the Chicago Bears last season after the franchise used the No. 1 pick to draft him out of USC, came close to setting an NFL record by taking a league-high 68 sacks during his rookie season.

The Titans' defense, which tied for the fifth-most sacks allowed last season with 52, is looking to give Ward the chance to make his NFL debut while avoiding similar pressure next fall.

Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi spent the offseason bolstering the team's offensive line with the additions of Dan Moore Jr. and Kevin Zeitler.

Moore will slot in at left tackle, while second-year tackle JC Latham will transition back to the right-side position in which he starred at Alabama.

The Titans will hope those changes will give Ward the chance to succeed when the 2025 season kicks off with a Sept. 7 game against Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos.