Miami’s Cam Ward Sounds a Warning to NFL Teams: "I’ll Remember That"
Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward has sent a resolute message to NFL teams considering passing him over in this year’s draft: "I’ll remember that." This bold declaration comes amidst criticism over his decision not to play in the second half of Miami’s loss to Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in December.
Ward’s Blunt Message to NFL Teams
"OK, you’re either going to draft me or you’re not," Ward stated resolutely, as reported by The Associated Press. "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."
Ward’s emphatic statement underscores his belief that teams passing him over will incur his future wrath on the field. He is confident that he will eventually have the opportunity to prove his worth and make them regret their decision.
Defending His Decision
Ward defended his decision not to play in the second half of the loss, claiming it was predetermined. He asserted that the coaching staff had decided to limit his playing time to allow other players to gain experience.
"I just think we all got what we needed out of it," Ward explained. "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."
Ward emphasized that he and the coaching staff were prioritizing his future NFL prospects. He also acknowledged that some of his teammates were given the same opportunity to rest and prepare for their own future endeavors.
Coach Cristobal Rejects Quitting Narrative
Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal vehemently denounced the notion that Ward quit on the team. He dismissed such claims as "false" and emphasized that Ward’s decision was made in the best interests of both the program and the quarterback’s future.
Ward’s Accolades and Potential
Ward stands as one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s draft class. He was awarded the Manning Award and the Davey OBrien Award, recognizing his exceptional performance in college football. Throughout his collegiate career, Ward amassed 18,189 passing yards and an impressive 158 touchdowns.
NFL analysts and scouts recognize Ward’s exceptional talent and potential. His ability to make accurate throws, read defenses effectively, and lead his team with confidence has many teams considering him highly.
Conclusion
Cam Ward’s bold message to NFL teams has reverberated throughout the league. His determination to prove his worth and his willingness to hold teams accountable for their draft decisions demonstrate his competitive spirit and his belief in his abilities.
It remains to be seen whether Ward’s warning will influence NFL teams’ draft strategies. However, one thing is certain: any team that passes on him will have to be prepared to face his wrath on the field in the years to come.