Titans’ Jeffery Simmons says rookie QB Cam Ward is ‘legit’ and overlooked

Cam Ward may have been the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but the rookie quarterback isn’t generating the usual buzz that comes with that status. One of his new teammates, Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, thinks that needs to change.

“First off, I think that our team — the Tennessee Titans — never get the respect and attention we need,” Simmons said Thursday on Good Morning Football. “I’ve never seen the No. 1 pick overall never get the respect and, quite frankly, the attention that he deserves.”

Ward, a former zero-star recruit who rose from Division II Incarnate Word to become a Heisman finalist at Miami, has already impressed Simmons during offseason workouts. Despite limited time together during OTAs and minicamp, the veteran lineman sees a high-level competitor who’s unfazed by pressure.

Simmons recalled one moment where he sacked Ward during practice and started jawing at him — only for the rookie to fire back.

“It didn’t faze him. He’s still talking smack while [head coach Brian] Callahan is giving him the play,” Simmons said. “The next play, he threw an 80-yard bomb to Calvin Ridley. That right there showed me we got us one. He’s legit.”

The 27-year-old Pro Bowler is now one of the longest-tenured players on the roster following Tennessee’s recent rebuild. He sees it as part of his role to help rookies like Ward settle in and gain confidence.

“I think that’s a chip on his shoulder,” Simmons said. “You could tell by the way he goes about his business — his swagger, his demeanor — this gonna be one of the ones that I’m excited to see.”

The Titans have won just 16 games over the past three seasons and have gone through major changes in the front office and on the field. Ward’s presence, though, might finally bring some stability under center.

Simmons is looking forward to training camp, where he plans to continue building chemistry with the new face of the franchise.

“I’m excited to get back to camp next week to be more around him and learn a little more about him,” Simmons said.