NASHVILLE — Fans clamored for Cam Ward’s autograph as he worked his way along the wall at Nissan Stadium.
Even with no pads and no tackling allowed, the Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback put on a show Saturday in training camp.
Ward connected early and often with his new favorite target, veteran wide receiver Calvin Ridley, starting with a touchdown pass in a 7-on-7 drill. The No. 1 pick of this year’s NFL draft made his best play when he scrambled to his left before finding Ridley for a big touchdown catch — at least as long as everyone ignores the fact that defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons likely would have sacked Ward if the action was truly live.
Everything was fresh and new for a steamy practice at midday as the Titans work to put the 2024 season behind them and get ready for 2025.
“I don’t even remember the record, but it was bad,” said Ridley, an eighth-year pro and second-year Titan who looks to be the biggest winner from Tennessee hanging on to the top draft pick and using it on Ward, who got better and better over five college seasons that culminated with him setting program records last fall in his lone year with the Miami Hurricanes.