The Tennessee Titans introduced their new franchise quarterback, Cam Ward, this week, presenting him with the No. 1 jersey. Warren Moon unretired the number and personally handed it to the new QB, while Chad Johnson also shared a few thoughts on the moment.
When Did the Tennessee Titans Retire Warren Moon’s No. 1 Jersey?
The No. 1 jersey has been retired in Tennessee since October 2006, when the franchise honored Moon at halftime of their game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Warren Moon wore No. 1 from his rookie season with the franchise in 1984 until he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings a decade later.
Known then as the Houston Oilers, the team watched Moon throw for more than 33,000 yards and 196 touchdowns. He still holds the franchise records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and games started at quarterback.
At a press conference following the NFL Draft, Moon surprised Ward by presenting him with a Titans No. 1 jersey. Ward, who wore the number throughout his college career, now looks to continue the legacy of one of the team’s all-time greats.
Johnson also weighed in on the move during an episode of “The Night Cap.”
“Cam Ward is a special player,” Johnson said. “He’s come into the Titans, and why not continue that legacy? Why not continue that legacy that Warren Moon set when he was there and allow Cam to carry that torch on? It’s a dope move.”
Bringing a number out of retirement is a big mf deal so you know that boy gotta be special! Shout out to Cam Ward 🙌🏾@ShannonSharpe @ochocinco @TheJoeJohnson7 @ShayShayMedia_ pic.twitter.com/gittgViYuW
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_)
Cam Ward Is Excited to Be a Titan, Grateful for the Opportunity
Ward had his introductory press conference on April 24, where he showed his eagerness to get started. He spoke about the importance of connecting with his offensive line and building chemistry with his wide receivers.
The Titans boosted their receiver room during the offseason, signing veterans Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson in free agency. In the NFL Draft, they kept adding weapons, selecting Florida’s Chimere Dike and Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor in the fourth round.
Tennessee made another move that Ward surely appreciated, reuniting him with his top college target, Xavier Restrepo, by signing him as an undrafted free agent.
When asked about receiving the call from the Titans, Ward reflected on what it meant for him and his family.
“It was special. It was real special to me,” Ward said. “I think it was more special to my parents just because of what they put in financially and time-wise to give me the everywhere I need to be. But it’s a moment you don’t take for granted. I lived in it, and I decided that I was able to end up in a good franchise like Tennessee.”
