Cam Ward caused controversy when he did not play in the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Ward played the first half and sat out the second after suffering a concussion Division I record for most career passing touchdowns (156), surpassing Case Keenum.
Arguments abounded.
Many felt that Ward was taking a risk by playing in a meaningless game with the bowling as a potential first choice. On the other hand, others felt that Ward was being selfish in doing it just for the record. The Hurricanes lost 32-31.
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Miami quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws a pass during the first half of the Pop Tarts Bowl NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The future No. 1 pick has received plenty of praise and criticism, but his now-former head coach Mario Cristobal came to his defense this week.
“I don’t feel the need to run against false narratives and a bunch of bull— that people like to start because that’s their way of doing business,” he said Monday. “That’s where it’s at. That’s where it’s always been. Cam was an exceptional, elite, Miami Hurricane. As a competitor, as a player, as a teammate. He raised the profile, the exposure of the University of Miami.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and running back Cam Ward (1) celebrate a 52-45 victory against Louisville at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
“He’s leaving a legacy that will be influential for generations to come. I mean, he’s the best I’ve been around, and I’m looking forward to watching him lead an NFL franchise to a championship and watching him play on Sundays.”
“He’s a big reason why he won 10 games and had a chance to really win every game,” Cristobal added. “He set the tone for what’s standard, right, expectations going forward — as hard as that sounds.”
Miami controlled its destiny in the College Football Playoff heading into the final week of the regular season, but the Canes lost to Syracuse and were eliminated from the ACC title game and lost their chance at the playoffs. Perhaps the conversation would have died down on both sides if Ward had more to play for in December.
Miami quarterback Cam Ward (1) stands back to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wake Forest, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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Ward and Shedeur Sanders both are in the conversation for the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, which is owned by the Tennessee Titans.
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