NASHVILLE – Cam Ward competed against Dennard Wilson's defense every day in practice during his first year in the NFL.
Off the field, the Titans quarterback said he also became friendly with Wilson, who gave Ward plenty of tips during his time as defensive coordinator in Tennessee.
"Great person," Ward said of Wilson. "He was real helpful for me, especially when it came to blitzes, whether it was his packages or another DC. The different types of fronts he can do, the exotics that he has. So, it is going to be a challenge to go against, but we'll be well prepared for it."
On Sunday, Ward will face Wilson's defense in a game when the Titans face the New York Giants.
Wilson joined John Harbaugh's staff with the Giants this offseason after spending two seasons in Tennessee.
In 2024, the Titans' defense allowed 311.2 yards per game and 177.3 passing yards per game, both of which were the second-lowest marks in the league. In 2025, Tennessee was efficient in getting after the quarterback, ranking among the top 10 teams in sacks per pass attempt, with an 8.2 percent rate, the highest by a Titans team since 2005.
"It is going to be exciting," Ward said of facing Wilson, and the Giants. "His defense certainly presents its challenges. But it is going to be exciting to be going against my first defensive coordinator I had in the NFL. He's a great person, he has a great system for those guys, and it's going to be fun to go against."
Ward will also see former Titans head coach Brian Callahan on the opposite sideline on Sunday, a day that will feature plenty of reunions.
Callahan is New York's quarterbacks coach, and a coach Ward said helped him as a rookie.
Through two games in 2026, Ward has completed 32-of-52 passes for 323 yards, with one touchdown pass and no interceptions. Ward also has two rushing touchdowns.
"He's a players' coach," Ward said of Callahan. He was very upfront with everything, especially with me. He taught me everything I had to get better at, and he helped me get better at a lot of things. The offense that we had last year was very challenging in terms of a rookie coming in and learning, but it's also a great offense to be a part of. With him, he helped elevate my game, seeing the field better."
