Cam Ward earned the second win of his NFL career while facing fellow rookie classmate, Shedeur Sanders. In the first battle between the two rookie quarterbacks, Ward’s Titans outlasted the Browns 31-29 on Sunday.
Ward went 14-of-28 for 117 yards, two touchdowns and an interception as a season-best 161 rushing yards from Tony Pollard helped propel Tennessee to victory. Though Ward’s numbers were pedestrian, he made several impressive plays during the game, including this incompletion.
On the other side, Sanders put together the best game of his career so far in his third start. Sanders completed 23 of 42 passes for 364 yards, three passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown and a pick. Sanders made a valiant effort to lead the Browns to what could have been the game-tying touchdown, but a faulty two-point conversion attempt ended up leaving them short of a chance to go to overtime and get the win.
After the game, the two quarterbacks met up on the field, and Sanders was seen smiling as they exchanged some words.
Rookie respect 🤝 pic.twitter.com/5UmsOrMFSy
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 7, 2025
“See him, catch up with him,” Ward said of the meeting with Sanders after the game. “Let him know, I’m here. I like to see him keep going. He’s going to continue to make plays for Cleveland. He’s a good quarterback so I’m excited to have him as a friend.”
.@Titans QB Cam Ward on his postgame conversation with @Browns QB Shedeur Sanders. pic.twitter.com/b7PI6ytIj9
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) December 7, 2025
Sanders and Ward spent time together through the pre-draft process, sharing some friendly but competitive moments while they looked to make strong impressions on NFL scouts and teams. They exchanged trash talk during workouts, but have expressed support for one another since leaving college.
The two quarterbacks were initially expected to both go in the first round. While Ward ended up getting drafted No. 1, Sanders shockingly fell to the fifth round. Sanders had a more challenging route to becoming the Browns’ starter after getting buried on the team’s depth chart. Following an injury to Dillon Gabriel, he overtook the starting role and got to face Ward for the first time at the pro level. Ward got the best of Sanders this time, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the two young quarterbacks face off again.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Cam Ward Had Classy Message for Shedeur Sanders After Titans’ Win Over Browns.
