Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons isn’t one to mince words, especially when it comes to football. Known for his dominant presence on the field and commanding leadership in the locker room, Simmons has carved out a reputation as one of the most respected voices in the Titans organization. So, when Simmons speaks, people listen. And his latest comments have turned the spotlight toward a name many across the league have yet to take seriously—rookie quarterback Cam Ward.
Ward, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback out of Washington State, entered the NFL Draft with less fanfare than many of his peers. Overshadowed by bigger-name prospects and first-round narratives, he quietly slipped into the Titans’ radar and landed in Tennessee with modest expectations from national pundits. But inside the Titans’ facility, it appears Ward has been making noise in all the right ways. Simmons, who has lined up against countless quarterbacks in his NFL career, didn’t hold back when describing what he’s seen from the young signal caller.
“Cam Ward is legit,” Simmons declared during a recent media availability. “I don’t care what the national media’s saying or not saying. That kid’s got the tools, the poise, and the drive. I’ve been in this league long enough to know when someone has it—and he’s got it.” Coming from a two-time Pro Bowl lineman, those words carry weight. Simmons isn’t known for casually handing out praise, especially to unproven rookies. His endorsement of Ward is both a stamp of respect and a challenge to the rest of the league: start paying attention.
Ward’s journey to Tennessee has been anything but conventional. Coming out of high school, he was lightly recruited and ended up starting his college career at Incarnate Word, a small FCS school in Texas. There, he quickly made a name for himself with his powerful arm, uncanny improvisational ability, and cerebral understanding of the game. His performances earned him the Jerry Rice Award as the top freshman in FCS and caught the eyes of major programs. After transferring to Washington State, he continued to elevate his game in the Pac-12, posting impressive numbers despite being on a rebuilding team. Yet even after proving himself at two levels of college football, Ward’s name remained conspicuously absent from first-round draft boards.
That lack of recognition has followed him into the NFL. Despite earning rave reviews from Titans coaches during minicamp and early training sessions, national media coverage has focused more on established players like Will Levis and offseason headlines around other quarterbacks. Simmons sees this as a disservice, not just to Ward, but to the fans who crave a true underdog story. “I get it, the spotlight’s usually on the big names—the guys from Alabama or Ohio State,” Simmons said. “But football isn’t just about hype. It’s about heart, execution, and the ability to lead. I’ve seen Cam come in here, absorb everything, compete like a vet, and stay humble through it all.”
Ward’s maturity and work ethic have reportedly impressed several Titans veterans, not just Simmons. Running back Tyjae Spears has noted how the rookie has taken command in the huddle during practice sessions and doesn’t shy away from challenging veteran defenders. Wide receiver Treylon Burks also mentioned that Ward throws one of the most catchable deep balls he’s seen from a rookie. While these details might seem small, they paint a picture of a young player growing rapidly within the NFL ecosystem.
Ward’s skill set makes him a unique asset for the Titans. He’s not just a passer who can run—he’s a quarterback who understands how to manipulate defenses with both his eyes and feet. His ability to escape pressure and extend plays outside the pocket has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s more mobile quarterbacks. But what sets Ward apart, according to Simmons, is his mental sharpness. “He sees the game. He’s not just reacting—he’s processing. That’s rare, especially for a guy just coming in,” Simmons emphasized. “You can tell he’s done the work off the field, in the film room, studying coverages, asking the right questions. He’s not just trying to survive out here—he’s trying to win.”
Simmons’ vocal support for Ward also reflects a broader cultural shift inside the Titans organization. Under head coach Brian Callahan, there’s been a renewed emphasis on development, internal competition, and meritocracy. Rookies are expected to earn their place, but they’re also given the platform to showcase their talent without being pigeonholed by draft status. Ward, despite being a mid-round pick, is being treated as a legitimate contender to rise through the quarterback ranks. Whether he plays this season or not remains to be seen, but his presence is already shaking up the depth chart dynamics in Tennessee.
There’s also a sense that Ward’s emergence could breathe new life into a Titans offense that struggled with consistency in 2024. While Levis is currently projected as the starter, the competition remains open. Veterans like Ryan Tannehill are no longer in the picture, and the team is clearly leaning toward a youth movement under center. Ward’s play style offers a different dimension—an unpredictable, electric energy that could prove difficult for defenses to prepare for. And in a league where innovation and adaptability often separate good teams from great ones, Ward’s versatility could become a game-changer.
Simmons, for his part, is determined to make sure Ward doesn’t go unnoticed. His comments aren’t just praise—they’re advocacy. In an NFL landscape saturated with narrative-driven coverage, Simmons is urging the media and fans alike to look beyond the headlines and recognize real talent, wherever it may come from. “It’s frustrating sometimes,” Simmons admitted. “Guys like Cam put in the work, show up every day, grind, and still get overlooked because they weren’t on some ESPN hype list. That needs to change. We’ve got something special here, and people need to start seeing it.”
Of course, it’s still early. Training camp hasn’t even reached full throttle, and preseason games will be Ward’s first real chance to make his case on a broader stage. But momentum is building, and Simmons’ words have only amplified the intrigue. If Ward can translate his practice flashes into game-day performance, it won’t be long before he becomes a household name in Tennessee—and perhaps across the league.
For Titans fans, this could be the start of something exciting. The franchise has long sought a quarterback who combines flair with fundamentals, someone who can electrify the crowd while managing the complexities of an NFL offense. Ward may not have the pedigree, but he appears to have the makings of exactly that type of player. And in Simmons, he’s found a powerful ally—someone who has battled in the trenches, seen the best the NFL has to offer, and still believes in what this rookie brings to the table.
Ward’s story is a reminder that football talent doesn’t always arrive with confetti and headlines. Sometimes, it comes through the back door, quietly, diligently, and with an iron will to prove people wrong. Simmons sees that, and he’s not waiting for the rest of the world to catch up. He’s letting them know now. And if Cam Ward continues on this trajectory, the league will have no choice but to pay attention. The question is no longer whether he’s legit—it’s how long it’ll take before everyone else realizes it.
