Cam Ward’s Unwavering Confidence at the NFL Combine
Cam Ward, the star quarterback from Miami, finds himself at a pivotal moment as the NFL Combine looms just around the corner. Despite the uncertainty of whether he will throw at the event, Ward has a clear and confident stance on any accusations that he quit on the Miami Hurricanes during their Pop-Tarts Bowl game against Iowa State in December. The 42-41 loss has been a source of online criticism, with many suggesting that Ward’s decision to sit out the second half was a sign of quitting. However, Ward is quick to set the record straight. "Okay, you’re either going to draft me or you’re not," he said, addressing potential scouts and team personnel. "If you don’t draft me, that’s your fault. You’ve got to remember you’re the same team that’s got to play me for the rest of my career, and I’ll remember that." This assertive response underscores Ward’s belief in his abilities and his determination to prove himself on the next level.
The Predetermined Decision
The decision to sit out the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl was not spontaneous but carefully planned. Ward explained, "We all got what we needed out of it. They seen things that they think they need to work on … for this season coming up. And they also knew, you know, what I had on the line." This strategic move was a collaborative effort between Ward and the entire coaching staff. Miami coach Mario Cristobal has been a staunch defender of his quarterback, labeling the accusations of quitting as "a false narrative." Ward’s decision, though hard, was made with the best interests of the program and his future career in mind. "I mean, it was a hard decision, especially when, you know, some guys on our team didn’t play who I thought should have played. It was also, you know, those guys thought about their future the same way I thought about mine," Ward added, highlighting the multifaceted considerations involved.
The Record-Breaking Season
Ward’s college career has been nothing short of extraordinary. With his first touchdown pass in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, he broke the NCAA Division I record for career touchdown passes, surpassing Houston’s Case Keenum (2007-11) with 156 touchdowns. Ward finished his career with an impressive 158 TD passes and a staggering 18,189 passing yards, which places him third in NCAA history, behind only Keenum and Dillon Gabriel. His journey through Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami is a testament to his versatility and resilience. In his lone season with Miami, Ward set several school records, including single-season passing yards, completions (305), touchdown passes (39), and completion percentage—both for a season and his career—at 67.2%.
Reflecting on the Pop-Tarts Bowl
While Ward stands firm in his decision, he acknowledges the emotional toll of the controversial game. "I wish we could have ended up winning the game. If we had won the game, they wouldn’t have said nothing. And so that’s usually how it goes. And, you know, you just got to take it on the chin and just keep pushing," he remarked. The close loss and the subsequent criticism have only fueled his determination. Ward’s comments reflect a realistic understanding of the scrutiny that accompanies high-profile athletes and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook despite setbacks.
The Path Forward
With the NFL Combine just a week away in Indianapolis, Ward is still deliberating his participation. He shared, "I haven’t come up with a plan of what I would do next week in Indianapolis. I do plan to throw at Miami’s pro day." This deliberative approach shows Ward’s strategic thinking and his commitment to making the best possible impression on NFL teams. His performance at the pro day will be crucial in demonstrating his readiness and potential to succeed in the professional league.
Inspiration and Motivation
Ward’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. He recently accepted the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s top college quarterback, following his Manning Award win last month. Last year’s Heisman Trophy winner, Jayden Daniels, also won both these awards before being drafted second overall and leading Washington to the NFC Championship Game. "To see him succeed, is motivating for not only myself but all of the other quarterbacks," Ward said, drawing inspiration from his predecessor’s success. This camaraderie and mutual respect among top quarterbacks highlight the competitive yet supportive environment in which Ward thrives, pushing him to reach new heights in his own career.
