Can we just be honest about some of the Cam Ward hate?

First, I’m NOT saying everyone who criticizes Cam is racist. So if this doesn’t apply to you, then this post shouldn’t upset you.

This has been on my mind a lot over the past year seeing some of the conversations from fans and local media regarding Cam Ward. I get it, he’s a young QB at the start of his sophomore season. Reality is that he has plenty to clean up, and there are absolutely legitimate football criticisms to make. But I do think it’s fair to acknowledge that some of the criticism and flat out hatred can be influenced by racial bias, whether people realize it or not. I’ve seen a lot of people try to reprimand Ward for things that most people would like their QBs to say/do.

And the “BUT WE LOVED STEVE MCNAIR” argument doesn’t really disprove anything. Loving Steve McNair doesn’t mean a person can’t have racial biases when evaluating another Black QB. McNair also had the benefit of proving himself over time and becoming one of the most beloved players in franchise history without social media being a factor. Regardless, one example of a Black QB being embraced doesn’t automatically eliminate the possibility of bias toward another. And honestly, Tennessee’s history with race makes this harder to completely dismiss.

I’m not trying to race bait or call anybody out. I’m telling you that you have to like Cam to avoid being viewed as a racist. I’m saying we should be willing to ask whether some of the reactions to him are about football and whether some of them might be influenced by things we don’t consciously recognize. We can criticize Cam all day. I just think it’s worth being honest enough to have that conversation too.