The Tennessee Titans are beginning a new chapter, with rookie quarterback Cam Ward expected to start right away under center in the 2025 NFL season.
Taken first overall in the 2025 NFL draft, Ward carries with him immediate pressure to showcase what he’s got and prove that Tennessee was right in investing such a high pick on him, and also the promise to become a star in the pros.
Those are the unknowns at the moment with regard to the former Miami Hurricanes star signal-caller. But while the 2025 season is still months away, Ward has already seemingly made his influence behind the scenes felt. He recently admitted that he tried to sway Tennessee into signing one of his former downfield Miami targets in wide receiver Xavier Restrepo.
“I did push for him,” said Ward. “Every team that I visited with, I pushed for him. He’s one of the best route runners in college football last year. First-team all-conference. He’s an All-American. He’s never lost in man coverage. … Why wouldn’t we push for him?”
Cam Ward made a push for teams to acquire his @CanesFootball teammate Xavier Restrepo during his own draft process 💯@Cameron7Ward | @XavierRestrepo1 | @Titans pic.twitter.com/hsZ7Ddvzpf
— NFL (@NFL) May 13, 2025
The former Hurricanes wide receiver was the leading target of Ward in the 2024 college football season. Restrepo led Miami that season in receiving yards by a mile, as he finished with 1,127 receiving yards to go with 11 touchdowns on 69 catches.
After going undrafted in the 2025 draft, Restrepo found his way to the Titans, who signed him as a free agent, thanks in part to Ward’s lobbying.
In a way, Ward’s gesture to Restrepo was reciprocal, as the wideout was vocal in saying that the QB should be the top pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
“Open your eyes. I mean think for two seconds. It’s a no-brainer,” Restrepo told ESPN at the Senior Bowl. “The guy’s proven everything he needs to prove. He’s a amazing, super confident, God-fearing guy. A humble beast. He never changes and is never phased by anything.”
Fans react to Tennessee Titans QB’s gesture to former college teammate
Here are some of the positive comments Ward has drawn amid Restrepo’s Tennessee addition:
“I love that for him”
“Great teammate”
“cam ward is a good teammate and friend”
“That’s cool how Cam Ward is looking out for his teammate Xavier. Team spirit is awesome.”
“That’s leadership. The guys in the locker room will respect it since X can ball.”
“Cam repping his dawg, love to see that teamwork”
“Such a kind thing to do”
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