INDIANAPOLIS – When Cam Ward was growing up, he aspired to turn pro in a sport.
He considered football, baseball and basketball, as he was a three-sport athlete in high school and dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. Now, Ward is on the cusp of fulfilling that dream as a quarterback in the NFL.
Ward is considered one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, as well as one of the top quarterbacks in the draft class. Yet for Ward, he views himself as the No. 1 quarterback.
"The tape says everything I believe and I'm honest to that, but I think just what separates me from everybody is the way I approach it," Ward said. "The mindset that I have going onto the field each and every game and I mean coming from my journey. Not a lot of people can do that and so I just think it shows the work that I'm willing to put in. Whether I go first round or second round, at the end of the day, that draft pick doesn't mean nothing. It's all about establishing yourself once you get the opportunity."
Ward made the decision to not throw at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, and instead just met with teams over the course of the week. He confirmed he will throw at his pro day.
NFL quarterback prospects speak at their media availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Cam Ward, Miami, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Jalen Milroe, Alabama, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Oregon, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Cam Ward, Miami, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Cam Ward, Miami, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Oregon, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Oregon, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Oregon, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Cam Ward, Miami, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Cam Ward, Miami, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Will Howard, Ohio State, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Cam Ward, Miami, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Oregon, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Will Howard, Ohio State, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Cam Ward, Miami, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Will Howard, Ohio State, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Cam Ward, Miami, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Cam Ward, Miami, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
Quarterback Cam Ward, Miami, speaks to the media during his availability at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2025.
One team in which Ward met with during the week at the combine was the Browns. Head coach Kevin Stefanski shared on Feb. 26 they had met with Ward that day.
"Very impressed with Cam as well," Stefanski said. "Just his career and where he's been is a unique path but knows football really well. Was very impressed with his meeting in terms of his recall going back to his Washington State days, and how he saw defense, how he progressed, how his processing worked. He could talk through all that. I was very impressed with him."
Ward indicated he felt his meeting with the Browns at the combine went well, and he had the chance to meet Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry, offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave.
"They do unbelievable job on offense getting people open," Ward said. "They've got an unbelievable offensive line. Jerry Jeudy is one of the best receivers in the league, so if I'm hoping to go there, I know it'll work out well."
Ward said he chose to not throw during the quarterback drills at the combine because of "five years of film" from his collegiate career.
Ward spent two seasons at Incarnate Word before transferring to Washington State. In those two seasons, Ward completed 567 of 893 passing attempts for 6,908 yards, 71 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Then in his three years between Washington State and Miami, Ward completed 948 of 1,436 passing attempts for 11,281 yards, 87 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. He added 287 carries for 406 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.
Check out behind the scenes photos of Browns coaches and executives watching combine workouts
Defensive Line Coach Jacques Cesaire in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Senior Executive Advisor to the GM Jimmy Raye III in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
National Scout Chris Buford in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
General Manager Andrew Berry in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Director of Pro Scouting Adam Al-Khayyal in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Director of Player Personnel Dan Saganey in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
A stopwatch in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Personnel Operations Director Megan Rock in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Director of College Scouting Max Paulus in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
General Manager Andrew Berry in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Advisor to the General Manager Chris Polian in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Director of College Scouting Max Paulus and Area Scout Josh Lucas in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Area Scout Josh Lucas in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Senior Executive Advisor to the GM Jimmy Raye III in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Assistant Defensive Line Coach Adam Morris in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Director of College Scouting Max Paulus in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Director of Football Operations & Process Joy Tapajcik in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Scouting/Personnel Assessment & Development Kathleen Wood in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Football Research Analyst Austin Grosel in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
General Manager Andrew Berry in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Vice President of Player Personnel Process and Development Ken Kovash in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Linebackers Coach Jason Tarver in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
National Scout Chris Buford in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Vice President of Player Personnel Process and Development Ken Kovash in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Assistant Defensive Line Coach Adam Morris in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Director of Player Personnel Dan Saganey in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
Player Development Coordinator Anthony Fabiano in the Cleveland Browns suite at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2025.
In that timeframe, Ward said his best trait is winning from the pocket, an attribute he improved over the course of his collegiate career. Ward said he developed his ability to win from the pocket by working with his quarterback coach, Darrell Colbert Jr., someone he started working with during his first two years at Incarnate Word.
"I just think the way he's helped me stay on track to where I wanted to be football-wise, it was going to pay off in the long run," Ward said. "He's taught me to win from the pocket, the little movements from the pocket, not moving as much as I need to, and I just think it paid off for me."
As Ward prepares to make the jump to the NFL, he believes his leadership will also translate along with his on-field skillset. He developed into more of a vocal leader over his collegiate career while also leading by example. Ward understands the quarterback on an NFL team has to serve in that leadership role while also knowing who his teammates are on a personal level through strong connections.
"You've got to be self-motivated," Ward said. "That's type of person I am. That's the type of leader I am. So, I just think what I can bring to a franchise, no other player can bring that."
