Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley offered a glimpse into quarterback Cam Ward’s relaxed mindset during the team’s 2025 offseason workouts, highlighting the importance of staying calm under pressure. Ridley emphasized that Ward’s easygoing approach is crucial in his role as the first overall pick, especially when dealing with the challenges of the NFL season.
Describing the quarterback’s mentality, Ridley said,
“He’s relaxed. You need that at the quarterback position, man. You can’t just be an overthinker, a jittery guy. You’ve just got to kind of be OK with, you know, fucking up, doing good. You’ve just got to have that ‘fuck it’ mentality. He’s kind of got that.”
—Calvin Ridley, Titans WR
Building Chemistry: Ridley’s Commitment to Understanding Ward’s Preferences
Ridley also discussed his proactive efforts to build a strong rapport with Ward by asking for feedback on his performance during practices. This open line of communication is aimed at aligning their on-field connection to maximize effectiveness in the upcoming season.
“I honestly want to hear what he thinks because I want to be in the spot where he wants me,”
Ridley explained.
“So I ask him first, what did I do wrong on the play? No matter the throw, or the catch, or whatever it is — what do I need to do to make you feel better? And then I try to pick his brain of what do I need to do to make you feel better? So that’s pretty much what we’re doing. Like I said, it’s easy to relate to him, for me. He’s fun, easy to talk ball with. I just like him a lot, man.”
—Calvin Ridley, Titans WR
Other Players Focus on Physical and Mental Growth Going into the Season
While Ridley highlighted the mental side of preparation with Ward, other NFL players have been concentrating on physical improvement and experience to elevate their game ahead of 2025. Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr., entering his second year, aims to build upon his solid rookie season through dedicated offseason training.
Thomas made it clear that pushing himself harder than last year is a top priority.
“Just come out and be better than I was last year,”
he said.
“Just come out here each and every day and just push myself to be the best that I can be and see where that takes me. Just come out here and be the best that I can be.”
—Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars WR
The receiver also noted feeling considerably healthier this offseason after taking time to recover and properly care for his body.
“I feel way better this year than I did last year,”
Thomas shared.
“Coming off a long rookie season, just with the combine, draft, all that, just being able to have some off time and take care of my body, just come back and be ready to go, I feel way better this season, for sure.”
—Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars WR
He stressed the importance of injury prevention by maintaining his body’s health early.
“Just taking care of your body,”
Thomas said.
“How long the season really is, how long the season actually is, so just doing the little things. Doing prehab so you don’t have to do rehab. Just taking care of your body before things happen. Just being up on everything.”
—Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars WR
Texans’ Kamari Lassiter Praises Veteran DB Addition to Strengthen Defense
Meanwhile, Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter expressed excitement about the recent signing of defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, highlighting how his experience and intensity will elevate the defensive unit in 2025. Lassiter pointed out Gardner-Johnson’s understanding of the game and his ability to influence teammates with his passion.
“He’s one hell of a ball player. He really understands the game. He’s played for a long time and he comes with his own energy,”
said Lassiter.
“He just comes with his own passion and it affects the players around him. You can see, just watching this film, how his energy and how he talks and how he plays the game, it affects people around him, whether it’s on the opposite side of the ball or whether it’s on his side of the ball.”
—Kamari Lassiter, Texans CB
Prospects for the Titans as the 2025 Season Approaches
The insights from Calvin Ridley about Cam Ward reveal a promising partnership focused on open communication and confidence, key factors for success in the demanding NFL environment. Ward’s laid-back style could help the Titans maintain composure during high-stakes moments, while Ridley’s eagerness to improve the connection bodes well for their offensive efficiency.
Alongside individual growth stories from players like Thomas and the defensive boost represented by Gardner-Johnson, the NFL landscape is witnessing an intense commitment to preparation ahead of the new season. The Titans’ developing chemistry with Ward at quarterback may prove an important storyline to watch as their 2025 campaign unfolds.