Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward shared his thoughts before an Oct. 7 practice about media criticism over the way he handled his Week 4 press conference.
On Oct. 4 following a 24-18 loss at the Baltimore Ravens, visiting Titans media had not yet arrived when Ward walked into his press conference. Ward appeared to be joking when he said he would walk out after waiting three minutes for reporters, and the remark was captured on the Titans livestream.
Reporters at the time were still finishing interviews in the locker room, including a media scrum with All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Media members showed up shortly after and Ward conducted his press conference.
The clip of Ward made rounds on social media and in some national media circles.
“I mean they’re talking about that … That’s something for them to talk about,” Ward said. “It’s easy for them to talk about. We’d rather them talk about that than our performances. So we’re just trying to put a good product on the field.”
Ward said later that he didn’t know about the clip until someone sent it to him and went more in-depth on how he processed the criticism.
“They (media) are going to say something at the end of the day. I attack the same progress I have, getting better each week,” Ward said. “At the end of the day, they can say whatever they want about me. The people in this locker room know what type of person I am, my family knows what type of person I am. What any fan or other person out there on social media thinks of me would never have any meaning because at the end of the day they don’t get to step up here and play a sport for a living. They’re going to do their job that some of them may hate.
“I get up here and I love to do this. I love to be out there with my teammates. It has nothing to do mentally with us because we always talk about how that’s out of our control. With it, it’s fun. Because you get to go prove someone wrong.”
Ward was asked if he liked talking to local media.
“I love talking to y’all because with y’all, you know some of the stuff we just have to say,” Ward said. “But with me, who wouldn’t want to get up here and get to do this. We get to do stuff that people dream of; there’s a reason we’re the 1%. So, if you can’t come up to the podium, if you can’t get on your phone after the game, if you can’t handle some criticism, in my opinion, you’re in the wrong profession. You’ve got to be an accountable person and take accountability whether it’s from the fans or coaching. And if you can do that you’re a mentally strong-minded person and a lot of things will go your way.”
Tyler Palmateer covers the Tennessee Titans for The Tennessean. Have a story idea for Tyler? Reach him at tpalmateer@tennessean.com and on the X platform, @tpalmateer83.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Titans QB Cam Ward reacts to criticism over postgame press conference
