An Open Letter to Cam Ward: Questions Heading into Week 6

Dear Cam Ward,

First of all, as a Tennessee Titans fan, I want to say thank you for giving us hope. The start of the season hasn't been great in the win column, but watching you lead the offense, I know the Ws will start rolling in soon enough. This season is all about learning and growing, for you and the rest of the team. I am excited about what the future holds for you and the Titans organization. 

As you begin your NFL journey, many trials and triumphs await. The best players are those who work hard regardless of the outcome in the last game and those who put the team first in every situation. Watching you play so far, I can tell that you are one of those players. Titans’ fans around the country will be rooting for you every step of the way. We already are. 

Through the first five weeks of the season, I have seen a maturity in your play that is not normal for quarterbacks to possess so early in their careers. You have also been very accurate in your throws. Most of your incompletions were at least catchable. You also have a strong character, determination, and honesty—all great qualities for an NFL quarterback, and for people in general.

I want to ask you a few questions, nothing crazy, just some thoughts from a lifelong Titans fan.

The one image I have ingrained in my head from the Week 5 victory over the Arizona Cardinals is the huge smile on your face after the clock hit zero.  

What did it feel like to get your first NFL victory? What do you think led to you being able to corral the offense and lead them on back-to-back-to-back scoring drives?

What does success in the NFL look like to you? Both short-term and long-term. Do you have any specific objectives for your career?

Maybe breaking records and collecting MVP awards. Or leading the Titans to the playoffs and beyond. You could even lift a Lombardi trophy or two. Or all of the above. 

Adversity is inevitable. Everyone faces it, whether we’re college students, lawyers, doctors, or professional athletes. How do you deal with adversity or negative situations? 

You played at three different colleges. How did those diverse experiences (both academic and athletic) shape you into the player and person you are today? 

And related to that, what is your favorite memory from playing college football? If it’s too hard to choose one, maybe pick one from each school that you played for. 

College is a formative time in everyone’s life. I asked these questions about your college days because being a student-athlete is such a unique experience. It’s something that can only be fully understood by other student-athletes. So, people who are not student-athletes are fascinated by the juxtaposition of being in college, while also playing an intense sport at a very high level. 

This next question is one that many football fans are curious about. I know you’ve only been in the NFL for a few months, but what are the differences between the pro game and the college game that you’ve picked up on? And have you had to adjust your play style to deal with those changes?

Many players talk about the game being faster at the pro level. Since you played in a high-powered offense at Miami last year, has that helped you make the transition to the NFL? 

The draft is something that many fans don’t know much about, aside from what we see on TV. What was the draft process like for you? How early did you know you were going to be the number one pick? And how was your first meeting with Coach Callahan? And your teammates?

A more fun question to end with. If you weren’t a football player, what would you do as a job?

I have watched several interviews with athletes where this question pops up, and I’m amused by the variety of answers they give. Some have other professions in mind, while others say there was never a plan B, and this was their only option. 

So, Cam, as your NFL journey continues, Titans’ fans like me wish you nothing but the best. 

Thank you for reading this letter. The Titans are looking better, thanks largely to your performances. We must be patient, but we can be optimistic too. I am confident that you are the quarterback of the future, the new face and leader of this Titans team. Our fans will stand behind you, win or lose, rain or shine. 

Good luck #1

Sincerely,

Anthony Montgomery | Fan Feed Network