Imagine how convenient it is for a No.1 pick to wear the No.1 jersey that once was retired for good. Cam Ward had an emotional connection with the No.1 jersey throughout his college career. He has worn it ever since he transferred to Washington State after wearing No.7 at Incarnate Word. And what made No.1 more special to Ward was the fact that he became a Heisman trophy finalist and Davey O’Brien trophy (given to the best collegiate QB) winner wearing No.1 at Miami. So, considering he knew No.1 was retired in the Titans, Ward got a pleasant surprise from its holder, Warren Moon. Now, as he prepares to represent Hall of Famer Moon’s number, the Houston Oilers legend ain’t going to watch from the backseat.
Ward was just finishing up his introductory press conference in Nashville, that’s when Moon made his wish come true. He emerged from the side snack room and went up on the podium to hand Ward his No.1 jersey. Moon carved a Hall of Fame career that saw him pass for 33,685 yards and 196 TDs all wearing the No.1. So, he pondered for a long time whether or not Ward should be given the privilege to wear his number. But after a few calls and a great deal of introspection, Moon decided to unretire his jersey.
He handed it over to Ward, expecting that he would also be as successful as he was with the Oilers. “I just came here because I got a lot of respect for this young man right here…the Tennessee Titans jersey is going to be worn by Cam to kind of revitalize it,” Moon said after giving Ward his blessing. Well, of course, Ward felt privileged to accept this gift from Moon. And knows the expectations that come with it. So, after receiving the No.1 jersey, Ward simply said, “I’m trying to get to his level one day. He’s a Hall of Famer, and for me to be in that same number is an honor.”
Before Ward does play his first snap wearing Moon’s No.1 jersey, the 68-year-old said something that could excite a lot of Titans fans this season. Moon’s role wasn’t just limited to handing his jersey to Ward. Instead, he told Kay Adams on her show Up & Adams, “I’m going to be a lot more involved than you think. I’ll just put it that way. I will have my little fingers on a lot of different things going on there.” This would be massive news for the Titans. Having someone like Moon around Ward would help him settle in and hit the ground running from the get-go.
“I’m going to be a lot more involved than you think. I’ll just put it that way.”
Warren Moon on his investment In Cam Ward and the @Titans ..!
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) May 2, 2025
Given the Titans are looking to turn their franchise’s fortunes around after a miserable 3-14 campaign, there can be no leniency. Well, leniency is not even in the picture because the one they have chosen to lead this franchise has already seen enough.
Cam Ward projected to fill Warren Moon’s shoes as the next great Titans QB
See, obviously, matching Moon’s legacy that involves 9 Pro Bowls and numerous passing records won’t be a walk in the park. But if at all, anyone who can do it, it’s going to be Cam Ward. Ward started from the bottom and finished as the No.1 overall pick once he left college. He was once deemed a zero-star recruit coming out of high school. From there, Cam Ward now holds the NCAA record for most passing TDs (158) in his 5-year collegiate career. But it doesn’t make him forget his roots. Those tough days he left behind to reach where he is now serve as a lesson for him.
“I don’t feel no weight on my shoulders. I’m still a zero-star recruit. I just happen to be a high draft pick and so I always remember what they said about me. It’ll never leave the back of my mind..it’s there every day,” Ward mused. His soon-to-be mentor, Moon, was also an ignored prospect in his playing days. Moon is still regarded as one of the greatest UDFAs who went on to make the Hall of Fame later. So, having witnessed the similarity between their journeys in different eras. Moon is more than confident that Ward is the man to bring the Titans’ competitiveness back.
“A lot of our journey’s similar as far as all the things that he was told throughout the journey about not being good enough. Nobody wanted to give him that great opportunity, but he just kept fighting..So, that’s the reason why I wanted to be here, just to let him know how proud I am of him,” Moon said. Well, only time will tell how this decision will pay off. Considering Moon will be on Ward’s side from the very beginning, the chances of this failing seem less.
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