Cam Ward sparked controversy by sitting out the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Ward played the first half and moved into second place after breaking the Division I record for most career passing touchdowns (156), surpassing Case Keenum.
There was a lot of controversy.
Many felt Ward took a risk playing in a meaningless bowl game with a potentially No. 1 overall pick. On the other hand, others felt that Ward selfishly participated only for the sake of 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, December 28, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The future first-round pick has received plenty of praise and criticism, but his now former manager Mario Cristobal came to his defense this week.
“I don’t feel the need to race to trample on a bunch of bulls and false narratives that people like to start,” he said on 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 and increased exposure of the University of Miami.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and quarterback Cam Ward (1) celebrate a 52-45 win over Louisville at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
FORMER FLORIDA QB JESSE PALMER TALKS ABOUT THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF, FRENCH ONION BEER, SHEDEUR SANDERS AND CAM WARD.
“He’s leaving a legacy that will impact the next generation. I mean, he’s the best I’ve ever seen. I look forward to watching him lead an NFL franchise to a championship and watching him play on Sunday.” do.”
“He’s a big reason why he’s been able to get 10 wins and have a chance to actually win every game,” Cristobal added. “He set the tone for what the standard is, right? The expectations are going to be moving forward, as difficult and as difficult as it sounds.”
Miami controlled its own destiny in the College Football Playoff heading into the final week of the regular season, but the Canes lost to Syracuse, eliminating them in the ACC title game and losing their chance at making the playoffs. Perhaps if Ward had been able to play more in December, the conversation would have gone away for both sides.
Miami quarterback Cam Ward (1) stands back for a 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 are both in talks to be the top pick in the NFL draft owned by the Tennessee Titans.
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