GREEN BAY – Cam Ward had waited for this moment his entire life.
At the NFL Draft here on Thursday night, Ward heard his name called by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, along with the news he'd been hoping to hear.
Yes, the Titans picked the former Miami quarterback with the first overall pick.
"It's special," Ward said after holding up a Titans jersey, and putting on a Titans hat. "I am excited for the opportunity the organization has blessed me with, and I'm ready to get to work with my teammates.
"I was hoping (the Titans) would pick me for real, especially when I got to learn more about Coach (Brian) Callahan's offense, the new General Manager Mr. Mike (Borgonzi) and President Mr. Chad (Brinker). Miss Amy (Adams Strunk) is a great owner, and they have a great organization. So, I am excited. It all worked out in the long run, and I am grateful for it."
Ward said he got word the Titans were officially picking him from Borgonzi, who then passed the phone to Strunk, Brinker and Callahan.
"They (told me) they were ready to get to work," Ward said of the Titans contingent. "They are proud of what I did to this point of my career, and they're excited to see where I can take the franchise."
The Titans reportedly turned down trade offers during the process to select Ward.
Borgonzi said earlier in the week the organization had reached a consensus on the pick, and planned to pick at No.1 to get the player the Titans wanted.
Ward was asked how much he wants to prove the Titans right.
"It's really proving myself right," Ward said. "They know they made the right choice in getting me. But at the end of the day, I am just trying to be with my teammates, have command of the huddle, and at the end of the day, try and win games, that is our main goal."
A zero star recruit, Ward never gave up on his dream while playing at Incarnate Word, Washington State and eventually Miami.
Ward blossomed as a player, and he turned himself into a top draft pick while ignoring skeptics, and doubters.
"I never let opinions get to me," Ward said. "The only opinion that matters to me is myself. And then also, just believing in God. I had those two things going for me, and it worked out in the long run."
In Tennessee, Ward said he wants to let his new teammates and coaches know when he meets him that he's about business, and winning games.
Ward feels like knows the team relatively well, but he's looking forward to learning more when he arrives in Nashville on Friday, and in the months ahead as preparation begins for the 2025 season.
His message to Titans fans, who cheered his selection at a draft party at Nissan Stadium on Thursday night:
"They are getting a dog, somebody who is willing to do anything to put the team and themselves in situations to win," Ward said. "And the ultimate goal is to win championships, whether that is this year, next year or down the road. That is our dream to accomplish, and I don't plan on stopping until hopefully get one of those things."
