The Tennessee Titans offfcially started a new era Thursday night, drafting Cam Ward No. 1 overall. It was a selection that had been anticipated for months, but it didn’t make the moment any less special, as the Titans believe they have their quarterback of the future.
Ward has already made it to Tennessee, and the special moments are continuing for the young quarterback. During his introductory press conference, Ward was surprised by a franchise legend. Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon entered the room with a No. 1 Titans jersey, handing it to Ward as they embraced. In that moment, Moon officially granted Ward permission to wear his retried No. 1 jersey.
Passing the Torch pic.twitter.com/M9NMA0H0uH
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) April 25, 2025
Warren Moon surprises Cam Ward with a No. 1 Titans jersey
Moon played for the franchise from 1984 to 1993, back when the team was still the Houston Oilers. In those 10 seasons, Moon established himself as one of the best quarterbacks of all time. Making six total Pro Bowls in Houston, he threw for 33,685 yards and 196 touchdowns with the Oilers.
With everything he accomplished in his career, it was a no-brainer decision for his number to be retried— even after the franchise moved cities and changed names. The organization officially retried his Jersey in 2006.
From one No. 1 to the next @WMoon1 surprises @cameron7ward with the #️⃣1️⃣ jersey pic.twitter.com/WIAVDIScma
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) April 25, 2025
Now, that No. 1 jersey will be back on the field, with Cam Ward donning it this time. Moon explained that he decided to show up and make this gesture because he has a lot of respect for Ward and he sees similarities in their against-all-odds journeys. Moon says his Oilers jersey will never be worn again, but Ward has the opportunity to create a new legacy for the Tennessee Titans in No. 1.
Ward was immediately appreciative of the gesture, as Moon made it clear that he’ll be available to support him along his journey.