Tennessee Titansquarterback Cam Ward’s sister, Chantel, said her family has received threats from fans since her brother threw a late-game interception in a 12-7 loss against the New York Giants in Week 3 of the NFL season.
Ward was asked before practice Sept. 30 how he handles his family becoming a target.
“At the end of the day people are weird,” Ward said. “They can say whatever they want at the end of the day. But I think football will take care of a lot of it. My family knows the position I’m in and they know what I wanted my whole life. They’re in this position as well with me.”
Ward and the Titans mounted a late comeback with two late-game drives against the Giants after a poor first half. Ward finished 23-of-36 passing for 181 yards, one
touchdown and one interception.
The Titans selected Ward No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Fan pressure has mounted amid Ward's 3-17 record as a starter. Tennessee's struggles predate him as the organization is overall is 19-49 since 2022.
Chantel Ward posted this message to social media after the Giants game:
“The fact I even have to post this is diabolical. People see the football games, they see the wins, the losses, the interceptions, the touchdowns, the press conferences and everything that happens on the field. What they don't see is what comes with it for the people who love these players when the game is over.
"Criticize the game, criticize a play, be frustrated with your team. That's sports, and I completely understand that. But seeking out a player's sister, parents or other family members to personally attack them because you're upset about what happened on a football field is something completely different."
Ward was asked whether he wants people in his “inner-circle” to respond to those messages. Some fans have said Ward’s father, Calvin, message them directly over critical posts about his son.
Ward says in some cases he has asked those close to him not to respond.
“For sure,” Ward said. “But it’s also … I expect not only for myself but someone else, that (person you’re criticizing) is someone’s kid, or your brother and sister.”
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: Titans QB Cam Ward addresses report of threats to family. 'People are weird'
