Fever at Titans Training Camp: Ward and Simmons Clash
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tension gripped the Tennessee Titans training camp on a sweltering day, as quarterback Cam Ward and defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons were involved in an altercation. The incident occurred after Ward threw a touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley near the end of practice. The young quarterback, instead of celebrating normally, shoved Simmons before performing his signature “Zombieland” celebration in front of the defensive player. Simmons’ reaction was immediate, responding with a push with both hands to Ward’s helmet. The offensive line quickly joined the defense of their quarterback.“Absolutely not,” declared Dan Moore Jr., left tackle, referring to the idea of letting someone touch the quarterback. “That’s something that doesn’t need to be said.”
Dan Moore Jr.
Although they managed to separate Simmons and Ward, Simmons’ helmet went flying during the fight. Ward returned for the next play, while Simmons left the field. Practice concluded two plays later, and Titans coach Brian Callahan ordered the team to run after practice.
Ridley’s touchdown and the subsequent confrontation occurred right after running back Julius Chestnut scored after a short run. Chestnut escaped outside thanks to a block by JC Latham, who took Simmons out of the play. Latham later exchanged words with Simmons until the next team meeting. Simmons has been in a constant session of provocations with the entire offense, especially with Latham and Ward. Neither Ward nor Simmons spoke to the media after the practice session. “You never want to see your quarterback in the middle of that stuff,” Brownlee added. “But when it happens, it shows the kind of ‘grit’ he has. He’s not going to be intimidated.”“You expect that same attitude, confidence, that same intensity from those two guys every day,” cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. commented. “That’s what you expect. But when it happens with the quarterback, you have to separate them as soon as possible. But brothers fight.”
Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
