Tag: Will Levis

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NFL (American Football)

Cam Ward Faces Backlash Over Viral Clip, But Full Comments Reveal Respect for Injured Teammate Will Levis

Cam Ward
Cam Ward (NFL)

Cam Ward, the Tennessee Titans’ top draft pick in 2025, came under fire after a viral video clip showed him giving a blunt response to teammate Will Levis’ season-ending surgery. When asked about Levis’ decision, Ward said, “I really didn’t have a reaction. I focus on Cam Ward.” The seven-second clip quickly amassed over 1.5 million views on X, with critics calling him “ruthless” and accusing him of lacking empathy for his fellow quarterback.

Ward’s Full Comments Show Support, Context Missing From Viral Social Media Clip

What the viral moment failed to capture was Ward’s full response, which provided a much more measured and respectful tone. In the complete video, seen by under 100,000 viewers, Ward added that Levis did what was best for his health and expressed well wishes for his recovery.

“You can’t be mad at somebody for doing what’s best for him,” he said. “I wish him a speedy recovery, and I’m hoping to see him in the building a lot more.” This additional context offered a stark contrast to the initial online outrage.

Will Levis
Will Levis (NFL)

Will Levis originally suffered a shoulder injury in Week 4 of the 2024 season but continued to play through it for eight more games. Despite his efforts, the discomfort lingered into the 2025 offseason. Just before training camp opened, Levis opted for shoulder surgery, officially sidelining him for the entire upcoming season. It was a difficult but necessary decision, made to preserve his long-term health and playing future.

Titans’ Quarterback Future Uncertain as Ward Rises and Levis Awaits Comeback Opportunity

Before Ward’s arrival, Levis was seen as a possible franchise quarterback after being drafted 33rd overall in 2023. But with the Titans selecting Ward first overall just a year later, the writing was already on the wall for a quarterback battle.

That competition is now on pause, as Ward takes over the starting role without direct contention. This shift has fueled speculation about Levis’ long-term role with the team, especially given how high Tennessee is on Ward.

Despite the negative reactions to his initial comment, Ward ultimately handled the situation with maturity. He acknowledged Levis’ mentorship during OTAs and affirmed that Levis still has a future if he recovers fully: “He’s a good football player… when he’s ready, he’s healthy, he’ll have a chance at the field.” With Levis aiming for a return in 2026, the Titans may face a complicated decision next year—but for now, the spotlight clearly belongs to Cam Ward.

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NFL (American Football)

Will Levis to Miss 2025 Season with Shoulder Surgery as Rookie Cameron Ward Steps In for Titans

Will Levis
Will Levis (NFL)

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis will miss the 2025 NFL season after deciding to undergo surgery on his right shoulder. The injury, originally suffered during a game against the Miami Dolphins on September 30, impacted his throwing shoulder’s AC joint.

Levis attempted to recover through rest and rehabilitation but experienced discomfort during minicamp, prompting him to seek additional medical opinions. The surgery is scheduled for July 29, and Levis will not be with the team when training camp begins at Saint Thomas Sports Park.

Levis’ Setback Opens Door for Rookie Ward Amid Titans’ Quarterback Transition Plans

The Titans organization publicly supported Levis’ choice to prioritize his long-term health, commending his growth as a leader and professionalism during the offseason. Despite preparing to compete for the starting quarterback role, Levis’ injury prevented full participation.

His absence paves the way for rookie Cameron Ward, the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, to lead the team in training camp. Veteran Brandon Allen, who has familiarity with head coach Brian Callahan from their time in Cincinnati, will likely serve as Ward’s backup.

Will Levis
Will Levis (NFL)

After suffering the shoulder injury last season, Levis returned to play against the Indianapolis Colts but struggled and missed the next three games. He ended the 2024 season with a 2-10 record as a starter, tallying 2,091 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

In spring OTAs, Levis appeared healthy and rotated first-team reps with Ward. However, continued discomfort during minicamp ultimately led to the decision for surgery, cutting short what could have been a key developmental year.

Ward Takes Over as Titans Face Injuries to Key Players Entering Training Camp

Throughout the offseason, Levis trained in California with personal coach Jordan Palmer, working on refining his throwing mechanics and footwork. His efforts were focused on recovery and competition, showing no visible signs of injury during OTAs.

During minicamp, Coach Callahan’s quarterback rotation featured Ward starting, followed by Levis and then Allen and Tim Boyle. With Levis sidelined, the Titans will now turn fully to Ward to establish chemistry with the offense as the new starter.

Beyond Levis, the Titans are also dealing with other injury concerns. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed will start training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as he recovers from a quad injury that sidelined him for the final 12 games of 2024.

Center Lloyd Cushenberry III is also on the PUP list due to a torn Achilles from Week 9. He has been participating in limited workouts and remains hopeful for a Week 1 return. Meanwhile, wide receiver Treylon Burks, recovering from an ACL tear, is expected to fully participate in camp as he enters a crucial contract year.

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NFL Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Rams Advised to Trade for Will Levis as Potential Future QB

Will Levis stands on the field before the game

Rams should consider making another trade, this time for a backup quarterback, in hopes of finding a possible future replacement for Matthew Stafford.

“Quarterback is an underrated need for the Rams that is starting to become more apparent,” report said. “As mentioned before, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Rams move on from Stafford this offseason.

Even if they don’t, it would make sense to target a young quarterback like Will Levis. He’s only had two years with the Titans and has dealt with coaching changes during that time. Sean McVay could be one of the best coaches to help him develop into a starter.”

This idea is common when talking about struggling young quarterbacks—many believe McVay can fix them. Over the past few years, McVay has been linked with players like Sam Darnold, Carson Wentz, and Zach Wilson. While this could be true, the Rams gave Jared Goff to McVay, and things went decently.

Will Levis walks to the sidelines in the 1st half

However, it can be argued that Goff didn’t fully improve until he worked with former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Stafford, on the other hand, was already an established great quarterback before joining the Rams.

Additionally, none of McVay’s hand-picked quarterbacks have become long-term starters in the NFL. McVay has had connections with several quarterbacks over the years, but none have truly broken through.

That said, the Rams will need a reliable quarterback behind their 37-year-old starter. Recently, they have looked into experienced options like Jimmy Garoppolo and Carson Wentz.

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The Titans bench quarterback Will Levis after his four turnovers result in 24 points for the Bengals

Will Levis throws a pass in the 1st half

Will Levis received his loudest applause on Sunday when first-year Tennessee coach Brian Callahan decided to bench the second-year quarterback.

This moment reflected not only Levis’ poor performance in a 37-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, but also highlighted the tough spot the Titans are in right now.

The team needs to keep playing the 33rd overall pick from the 2023 draft to figure out what they have before what is expected to be their highest draft pick since 2017.

Levis had shown some progress. Coming into the game, he hadn’t thrown an interception in his last two games, though the team lost both.

“We’re not getting enough positive plays in a row from the quarterback position, and that, to me, is the hard part,” said Callahan about Levis. Levis had a tough game on Sunday.

He fumbled the ball when Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson came in unblocked. Then Levis threw three interceptions, one of which was returned 39 yards by Geno Stone for a pick-6. Levis now leads the NFL with four pick-6s this season. These turnovers led to 24 points for Cincinnati.

Brian Callahan reacts in the 1st half

Callahan said Levis struggled, which is why he pulled him, hoping that backup Mason Rudolph would give the team a spark. Rudolph went 21 of 26 for 209 yards and two touchdown passes, but he also threw an interception inside the Cincinnati 20.

“Those things happen,” Callahan said, referencing his past coaching experience with Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. “I’ve been a part of them before. Just a bad half, a bad series that kind of spiraled on him, and you need to take a seat for a little bit and let somebody else do it.”

With three games remaining for the Titans (3-11), Levis has already matched the four pick-6s thrown by Sam Howell last season and Matthew Stafford in 2021. Levis is among a select group of quarterbacks who have thrown at least four pick-6s in a season over the last 10 years.

However, Levis is the first Tennessee quarterback since the team moved to the state in 1997 to throw four pick-6s in a season. Matt Hasselbeck (2011, 2012) and Steve McNair (2000, 2005) both had seasons with three pick-6s.

Levis understands that when a quarterback throws four turnovers, they will get benched. Now, he plans to watch the video and learn from his mistakes.

“I know what I’m capable of,” said Levis. “The ball was coming out of my hand well. There’s things we could do at all positions to help us out with a couple of those turnovers. There’s nothing discouraging about it. It was just one of those days, and I’m going to keep swinging, that’s for sure.”

Rudolph, who has been benched in his career, said it’s not easy, but a quarterback can grow from the experience.

“It hardens you as a man and as a human being,” said Rudolph. “It’s all about how you respond, and I know he’ll respond well.”

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NFL (American Football)

Rookie Will Levis Takes Over as Starting Quarterback for Tennessee Titans, Relegating Tannehill to Backup Role

Will Levis
Will Levis (Credits: USA Sports)

The Tennessee Titans have decided to use Ryan Tannehill as a backup quarterback for the remainder of the season despite the fact that he has been removed from the injury report. Rookie Will Levis will assume the starting quarterback position, the Titans announced on Tuesday.

Tannehill sustained an ankle injury during Week 6, and it was actually the second-year quarterback, Malik Willis, who initially stepped in. However, following a bye week, the Titans turned to Levis, and his NFL debut was nothing short of impressive. In his first game, he threw four touchdowns, three of which found their mark in the hands of DeAndre Hopkins. Levis completed 19 of 29 passes for 238 yards against the Atlanta Falcons.

Will Levis
Will Levis (Credits: San Diego Union-Tribune)

However, the challenge escalated in Week 9 when they faced the Pittsburgh Steelers. Levis completed 22 of 39 passes and led only one touchdown drive, which featured a rush by Derrick Henry, though he managed to amass 262 passing yards.

Head coach Mike Vrabel explained, “I think that’s the best move for our football team right now.” Prior to Tannehill’s injury, this season had been a significant struggle for him, with only two touchdowns thrown against six interceptions.

While Tannehill has been a cornerstone for the Titans, the team’s playoff success has been limited with him as the quarterback. Although they reached the AFC title game in 2019, they lost their first playoff game in the subsequent two seasons, even with the No. 1 seed in the AFC in 2021.

Notably, Will Levis was once considered a top pick in the NFL Draft, with rumors even suggesting he might go as the first overall pick. However, he unexpectedly fell to the 33rd pick. Television cameras captured him waiting anxiously in the draft’s waiting room as other quarterbacks like Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson were selected ahead of him.

On the second day of the draft, the Titans made a move to acquire Levis, picking him early in the second round. Coach Vrabel also indicated that both Levis and Malik Willis, a third-round selection from Liberty, could see playing time in the future. In his two full seasons as Kentucky’s quarterback (24 games), Levis threw for 5,232 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions, boasting a completion rate of 65.7 percent.

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NFL (American Football)

Will Levis Makes Spectacular NFL Debut, Shifting the Titans’ Fortunes

Will Levis
Will Levis (NFL)

The realm of NFL fate has an uncanny way of balancing its scales. Several months after experiencing the humbling ordeal of sitting through the entire first round of the NFL Draft without being selected, quarterback Will Levis found himself making his NFL debut with some valuable allies and facing a less formidable opponent.

Levis stepped onto the NFL stage last Sunday, filling in for the injured Ryan Tannehill and guiding the Titans to an impressive and efficient 28-23 triumph over the Atlanta Falcons. His debut performance was remarkable, as he completed 19 of 29 passes for 238 yards, throwing four touchdowns and not a single interception. Throughout the afternoon, Levis exhibited the composure of a seasoned veteran, potentially altering the narrative surrounding a team that had regrettably been absent from AFC playoff discussions in the previous two seasons.

Certainly, Levis had the advantage of having DeAndre Hopkins, who reeled in three touchdown passes for the second time in his NFL career, and Derrick Henry donning the iconic baby-blue Oiler throwback uniform. Additionally, Levis benefited from facing the Atlanta Falcons, a team renowned for their inconsistency.

Will Levis
Will Levis (Credits: New York Post)

“His debut was quite impressive. He received exceptional support from the receivers; Hop really energized us,” remarked Titans head coach Mike Vrabel after the game. “Not only did Will receive valuable assistance, but I believe the opportunities to advance the ball were there, and he capitalized on them.”

Levis initially caught the NFL’s attention earlier this year with his powerful arm and unique personality as a quarterback hailing from Kentucky. He was famous for social media-friendly stunts like eating banana peels and adding mayonnaise to his coffee. Draft analysts, captivated by his physique and arm strength, briefly considered him the favorite to be the second overall pick. However, his draft journey took an unexpected turn as he plummeted through the first round like a tossed banana peel. Eventually, Tennessee, seeking additional backup options for Tannehill, traded up to select Levis with the 33rd pick in the draft.

Levis’ performance marked a turning point for the Titans, breaking a string of unsuccessful encounters with teams boasting winning records. Notably, it was the highest point total the Titans (3-4) had put up all season and marked the end of a disheartening streak of 23 consecutive games in which they scored fewer than 28 points.

While it may be premature to pencil Levis into the starting lineup, his standout performance adds an intriguing dimension to the upcoming trade deadline. The Titans’ phones are likely to be ringing with inquiries about Tannehill’s availability, with teams like the Jets potentially seeking a skilled veteran like him.

Levis’ four-touchdown performance in his inaugural career start was just one shy of the NFL record of five, set by Gary Cuozzo for the Baltimore Colts in 1965. Notably, it was the first time a rookie quarterback threw four touchdowns in their debut since Marcus Mariota achieved the same feat for the Titans in 2015.

“I’m just one part of the team,” Levis humbly stated after the game. “Many guys did their jobs and contributed to our victory.”

However, Levis’ teammates weren’t about to let him downplay his exceptional performance. “He’s an incredibly talented quarterback,” remarked Hopkins. “He plays the game like he’s been here before.”

Henry was even more direct, saying, “He was on fire, wasn’t he?”

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NFL (American Football)

Titans’ Rookie QB Will Levis Set to Debut in Sunday’s NFL Game

Will Levis
Will Levis (Credits: The Tennessean)

Rising star Will Levis, the Tennessee Titans’ rookie quarterback, is poised to make his highly-anticipated NFL debut this upcoming Sunday. With starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill nursing an ankle injury, the Titans have been diligently preparing Levis to take the reins, according to the latest report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Head coach Mike Vrabel officially acknowledged the likelihood of Tannehill’s absence from Sunday’s game, and he hinted that both Levis and the dynamic Malik Willis could see action if Tannehill is unable to suit up.

Titans' Rookie QB Will Levis Set to Debut in Sunday's NFL Game
Titans’ Rookie QB Will Levis Set to Debut in Sunday’s NFL Game (Credits: CBS)

Although it wasn’t publicly declared that Levis had surpassed Willis in the depth chart, this development speaks volumes about the Titans’ confidence in the young quarterback. While Willis has seen action in two games this season as Tannehill’s relief, Levis has yet to make his mark on the NFL stage.

Levis, a highly touted prospect who was once considered a potential Top 5 draft pick this year, astoundingly fell into the Titans’ lap as the second-round pick. Now, the spotlight is firmly on Levis as he seizes the opportunity to showcase his talents and demonstrate his readiness for the next level of football.

As Sunday approaches, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly awaiting Levis’s NFL debut, curious to see if this rising star can live up to the considerable hype that has surrounded his promising career. The Titans are placing their faith in this young talent, hoping he can provide the spark they need in Tannehill’s absence.