Potential No1 NFL Draft pick Cam Ward has dropped a hint about his aspirations to play for the New Orleans Saints in the future.
The Miami Hurricanes quarterback is tipped to be the top pick in next month's Draft ahead of stars like Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. If predictions hold true, Ward could be donning the Tennessee Titans jersey when the 2025 NFL season kicks off given they hold this year's coveted first pick.
Though the Texas-born player won't snub the opportunity to join the Titans, part of him might harbor some disappointment. That's because it would mean his childhood dream of playing for the Saints will have to be shelved.
Even with a clear view of where he's likely headed, Ward hasn't shied away from expressing his Saints aspiration. Fresh off of clinching the Allstate Sugar Bowl 2024 Manning Award, the promising QB shared his love of the New Orleans franchise.
"The Saints were one of my favorite teams growing up. When I was little, I loved watching Drew Brees and [Marques] Colston out there," said the 22-year-old. "It would be a dream of mine to play for them, if I get a chance someday. But that's not really my focus right now."
Ward also acknowledged he had a recent sit-down with the Saints and his desire to eventually work with Super Bowl-winning coach Kellen Moore. Reflecting on his interaction with Moore, Ward remarked: "It was a great meeting. If you get a chance to go play for a Super Bowl-winning coach like coach [Kellen] Moore. He knows how to dial up the playbook.
"The biggest thing I took away from that meeting was that you just have to be prepared at all times, whether you go in as a starter or you go in as a backup. You never know when your number is going to be called."
Ward has been the talk of the town after clinching the esteemed Manning Award for his sensational 2024 season. He topped the charts with the most touchdown passes nationwide and shattering the NCAA Division I record for career touchdown passes.
His year-end stats are downright jaw-dropping: Ward completed 305 out of 454 pass attempts and racked up a whopping 4,313 yards, the nation's second-highest tally. He also threw an astonishing 39 touchdown passes while keeping interceptions to a mere seven.
This feat obliterated the previous Miami benchmark set by Steve Walsh with 29 touchdowns in 1988. With such a stellar performance, it's highly improbable Ward will fall to the ninth draft pick and join the Saints - this year, at least.
Despite the prestige associated with being the No1 Draft pick, Ward confessed he's indifferent to the idea. He said: "It wouldn't mean anything to me, the pick is never anything. If someone wants to be known for a pick, they're not playing for the right reasons."
