There was some drama at Titans camp earlier this week as quarterback Cam Ward and star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons were involved in a skirmish, but Ward noted Wednesday to reporters that the incident “was what we needed.”
“Jeff’s strong as s–t,” Ward said when asked if he learned anything from the scuffle. “It was fun at the same time, and I think it was what we needed though. I mean, we love competing, just with me and Jeff, and I’m excited to have that man as my teammate. So I can’t wait to see what he do. Sundays, I already know what he about, but I get to see the real thing coming soon.”
ESPN’s Turron Davenport provided details of the incident but also some important context behind Ward and Simmons’ relationship.
“The skirmish occurred after Ward threw a touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley toward the end of practice and went to celebrate. The rookie quarterback stopped and gave Simmons a shove before doing his trademark ‘Zombieland’ celebration in front of him. Simmons reacted with a two-hand push to Ward’s facemask, and the offensive line ran to Ward’s defense.
“Ward and Simmons have had an ongoing rivalry that includes trash talk after plays. Simmons told Ward it would be that way when they met for the first time before taking the field for minicamp.”
“It’s training camp and tempers flare,” Simmons said, per Davenport. “I respect the hell out of our offense for having the quarterback’s back. At the end of the day, we’re family and moved on from it.”
Tennessee is trying to build a new identity and culture in year one of the Cam Ward era. The Titans are all-in building around the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft while simultaneously trying to move on from an ugly 3-14 season in 2024, head coach Brian Callahan’s first season.
There’s certainly enough promise now that the Titans will be able to dig out of the NFL basement with Ward aboard, and having a two-time second-team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler in Simmons lead the way on defense helps as well.
Tennessee begins the regular season on Sunday, Sept. 7 at the Denver Broncos.
