Cam Ward, the Tennessee Titans’ rookie quarterback, sparked a controversy after a physical altercation with veteran defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons during a practice session. The incident, which involved Ward teasing Simmons with the ‘Zombieland’ celebration, led to the team needing to break them up. Ward defended his actions, calling it “what we needed” for the team. The situation unfolded after Ward threw a touchdown to wide receiver Calvin Ridley, and as he went to celebrate, he stopped in front of Simmons to tease him with his signature ‘Zombieland’ motion, a gesture that Simmons is known for following key defensive plays.
Simmons, who is a three-time Pro Bowl tackle, didn’t take kindly to the teasing and shoved Ward in the face mask with both hands, which prompted the Titans’ offensive line to rush in and protect their quarterback. Left tackle Dan Moore Jr. emphasized that no one is allowed to touch the quarterback, stating, “Absolutely not,” when asked about the incident. This banter and physical interaction between Ward and Simmons has been a recurring theme since they first teamed up. Ward admitted, “I get here, and he’s damn near the first one I’m ready to talk s— to. He’s the first one that comes at my head every day at practice.”
Titans head coach Brian Callahan, who made the team run after the practice skirmish, acknowledged the incident but offered a perspective that the quarterback’s willingness to engage in the situation is part of the equation. “If the quarterback enters willingly into the fray like that, then that’s on him as well,” Callahan said. Simmons, on the other hand, added that it’s training camp and that tempers flare, while respecting the offensive line’s commitment to protecting Ward. “At the end of the day, we’re family and moved on from it,” Simmons stated. Despite the incident, the team is focusing on camaraderie and moving past the conflict, with Ward set to face the Denver Broncos in his NFL regular-season debut on September 7.