Calvin Ridley emerged as a standout player for the Tennessee Titans in 2024, despite the team’s struggles, recording 120 receptions for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns. Looking ahead to 2025, Ridley is optimistic about the quarterback change as rookie Cam Ward, the first overall pick, prepares to lead the offense. Ridley has high regard for Ward’s self-assurance and believes his confidence will play a crucial role in the team’s progress.

Ridley Highlights Cam Ward’s Poise and Skill

During a media appearance at his youth football camp at Lipscomb Academy, Ridley expressed admiration for Ward’s mindset entering the league. He described Ward as “a dog” with a humble but firm confidence that signals readiness to compete at the highest level. Ridley emphasized that having self-belief combined with smart decision-making is essential for a rookie quarterback to succeed in the NFL.

“To me, he(‘s) a dog. He’s confident… That’s the biggest thing coming in the league. You come in, and it’s like a humble confidence, you know you can play. That’s what you want, someone who knows they could play, make the throws, be smart, not afraid of anybody, ready to take it on.” —Calvin Ridley, WR

Ridley also noted his personal excitement about Ward’s development, particularly praising his timing and readiness to continue improving. He mentioned that their relationship is evolving from acquaintances to teammates bonded like brothers.

“I’m excited for him. Gotta keep throwing, he’s gonna be good. He throws (with) great timing; the timing is up to date. I don’t think it’s gonna be a problem. Right now, we’re just bonding to be friends, brothers, but we’re working at the same time.” —Calvin Ridley, WR

Inside the Titans’ Innovative Offseason Training Approach

Ridley also shared insights into the Titans’ unique offseason program, which differs from conventional routines. The team divides players into eight mixed groups based on position and experience, each led by a captain and co-captain. These groups engage in various football drills alongside team-building activities such as tug-of-war and rock-paper-scissors, designed to foster unity and strengthen interpersonal bonds among teammates.

Head coach Brian Callahan recently reflected on the program’s distinct setup, stating that it aims to reshape competition and camaraderie within the team by emphasizing new methods of collaboration and motivation.

“I reflected really hard on what I wanted the offseason to look like. It is definitely structured much (differently), just in terms of what we’re emphasizing and how we emphasize it. How we set up our competition amongst our team, how we are going about the team building process.” —Brian Callahan, Head Coach

Ridley expressed his enthusiasm for this approach, sharing his role as a team captain and his dedication to rallying his group towards winning.

“I think it’s great. I think it’s so fun. I’m a captain on my team. I got my boys behind me. And we’re, I’m telling them every day, I’m even messing up sometimes, but I tell them every day, man, we’re trying to win! You know, we’re trying to win, we’re trying to win, we’re trying to win.” —Calvin Ridley, WR

The Titans are scheduled to begin their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on May 27, which will continue until early May, setting the stage for preparation ahead of the upcoming season.

The Road Ahead for the Titans and Cam Ward

With Calvin Ridley’s support and confidence in rookie Cam Ward, the Tennessee Titans appear poised to rebuild and improve their offense in the 2025 season. Ridley’s praise of Ward’s mindset and skill suggests strong chemistry developing between the wide receiver and quarterback positions. Coupled with the team’s innovative offseason program that encourages leadership and unity, the Titans are focused on creating a winning culture through both individual growth and collective effort.

The upcoming months will be critical for Ward’s transition to the NFL and the Titans’ overall competitiveness, but early signs offer hope that this new quarterback-led offense will elevate the team’s performance and excite their fan base.