Cam Ward was the worst-kept secret leading up to the 2025 NFL draft. Given the Titans’ glaring need for a franchise quarterback after their failed experiment with Will Levis. Ward was always going to end up in Music City. Until something extraordinary happened at the last minute, Ward was already betrothed to Tennessee. So, when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called his name first, it didn’t really surprise the NFL community. It was only a matter of time before Ward left the green room in Green Bay before anyone else did. But what happened moments later, his name was called out, is what really surprised the NFL world.
ESPN’s bland coverage of Cam Ward was exposed at every step. Keep aside his No.1 status for a second. Just imagine Cam Ward as a regular player who just got drafted. So, shouldn’t he be the focal point of the network for the next few minutes, right? But nah. Ward didn’t even get the basic privilege every newly drafted player deserves as they transition to the NFL. As he just left the green room and didn’t even have his Titans hat on, Mike Greenberg’s attention shifted from Ward to No.2 pick.
The coverage of Ward making his way to the stage was cut in half as Adam Schefter came in with a blockbuster trade announcement. ESPN’s focus completely shifted from Ward to the Jaguars trading up to No. 2 with the Cleveland Browns. Everyone started talking about the Jaguars, Travis Hunter, his possible impact, the trade and more. While none spoke about Ward, his rise from a zero-star recruit in high school to the No.1 overall pick. Most astoundingly, they didn’t even air his interview and cut the coverage for Travis Hunter.
Even before he was picked, and the Titans were on the clock, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Louis Reddick spent 2 minutes talking about Shedeur Sanders. They knew, as a matter of fact, everyone knew the Titans were going to pick the Miami stalwart. But they were too busy discussing Sanders, who didn’t even get picked in the first round. While most networks spent countless hours analyzing Shedeur Sanders’ possible draft position, Cam Ward quietly came in and had his moment. Although ESPN did him wrong, at least the NFL community had his back, exposing the network’s atrocious coverage of him.
Well, ESPN’s treatment of this year’s No.1 overall pick wasn’t the only thing that caught the internet’s attention. Pat McAfee, who was live from Green Bay, also had a controversial yet funny moment.
Pat McAfee’s love for weed took a giant leap in the 2025 NFL draft
McAfee, who carries a larger-than-life persona in his sports media coverage, has never shied away from expressing his love for weed. Last year, in an appearance on the All the Smoke podcast, McAfee made an honest confession. “I smoke a lot of weed, I do. I think that’s massive piece of it for me,” McAfee said after he was asked how he balances negativity and still stays focused. Even this week after WrestleMania, WWE’s Paul Heyman openly said that McAfee had smoked weed with him and allegedly disrespected Stephen A. Smith.
Heyman told us that McAfee said to him while smoking weed, “Hey, you know Stephen A. Smith sucks, right?” Well, WWE’s Raw commentator was quick to deny that claim. He also added that McAfee told him he doesn’t care about other people’s opinions, even those who pay him. Following those incidents, McAfee was yet again making headlines for weed. This time, though, he was caught smoking one in public.
On his Draft Spectacular show, McAfee was caught taking a hit from a weed vape pen. He even tried to offer the same to former Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, who was a guest on the show. But after he turned it down, the ESPN host threw it into the crowd, and people around him cheered as Pat blew a cloud of smoke, trying to look cool. His antics may not have pleased McCarthy or his bosses, but at least the crowd did have a moment with the humorous McAfee.
The post ESPN Intentionally Ruins Cam Ward’s Big Moment as Pat McAfee’s Controversial Act Goes Viral appeared first on EssentiallySports.
