QB Ward’s Bold Message to Teams That Overlook Him: ‘I’ll Remember’

FORT WORTH, Texas — Cam Ward, the standout quarterback, hasn’t yet decided whether he’ll throw at the NFL combine next week. But he has a clear message for scouts who question his commitment to the Miami Hurricanes after he didn’t finish his last game. “If you don’t draft me, that’s your fault,” Ward says confidently. “Just remember, you’ll have to face me for the rest of my career.”

Ward faced a lot of criticism online after he sat out the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Iowa State, which Miami lost 42-41. He had already made history by breaking the NCAA Division I record for career touchdown passes by halftime.

As a top prospect for the upcoming NFL draft in April, Ward insists his decision not to play in the second half was made with the coaching staff. “We all agreed it was best for everyone involved. We felt we were doing what was right for both the program and for me,” he explained. “It was tough, especially since I thought some players should have had more time on the field. Everyone was thinking about their future, just like I was.”

Miami’s coach, Mario Cristobal, has stood by Ward, calling the accusations of quitting “a false narrative.” Ward reiterated his choice, saying, “If I could do it again, I’d make the same call. It’s a shame we lost. If we had won, none of this would have been said. But that’s how it goes. You just have to take it in stride and keep moving forward.”

In that Pop-Tarts Bowl, Ward threw three touchdown passes, finishing the first half with 190 yards and a record-setting 156 career touchdowns—one more than Case Keenum. Miami used Emory Williams as quarterback for the second half and later added Carson Beck, a transfer from Georgia.

Ward ended his college journey with 158 touchdown passes and 18,189 passing yards, ranking third in NCAA history. His impressive stats include record-setting achievements at Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami. In just one season with the Hurricanes, he set the school records for single-season yards, completions, and touchdown passes, with a completion rate of 67.2%.

As for the combine, Ward hasn’t made a firm plan yet but does intend to showcase his skills at Miami’s pro day. Just weeks ago, he received the Davey O’Brien Award for being the nation’s best college quarterback, adding to his accolades after winning the Manning Award earlier. He reflects on the success of others like Jayden Daniels, who won the 2023 Heisman Trophy and is now inspiring quarterbacks like himself. “His success pushes me and others to aim higher,” Ward said with determination.

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