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Cam Ward is only a couple weeks into his first NFL training camp but already commanding the kind of attention that usually takes years to earn. Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan sees something in the rookie that reminds him of a former No. 1 pick and one of the league’s most respected quarterbacks.
Callahan spoke from experience. He was the offensive coordinator in Cincinnati when Joe Burrow arrived and helped shape Burrow’s transition from college star to franchise cornerstone. Before taking over as the head coach with the Titans he spent 5 seasons with the former Heisman trophy winner.
Now, with Ward in Tennessee, he sees a familiar spark and mind for the game.
Speaking before Sunday’s practice, Callahan recalled the early days with Burrow. Meetings were virtual and limited due to COVID-19 but gave him a unique look at the rookie’s mental approach. “He became the player that he is now, which is arguably one of the top three quarterbacks in football,” Callahan said. “But he wasn't like that as a rookie.”
That perspective is shaping how Callahan handles Ward. While he stopped short of saying Ward is on the same level, he pointed out a shared trait that stood out. It’s not just about talent. It’s how they absorb the game, handle pressure and show quiet command in chaotic moments.
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Ward, a No. 1 pick himself, has already flashed strong decision-making and feel for the offense. He’s not just managing camp reps. He’s stacking them. And if you ask Callahan, that’s where real development begins.
The comparison is not a coronation but a serious sign of belief. Cam Ward is starting his NFL career on the kind of foundation coaches can build around and Callahan just made it clear he’s not the only one who sees it.
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