Former Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward heard his name literally called at the 2025 NFL Draft Thursday night, but he was very much not the No. 1 pick of the Tennessee Titans. University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward, the 22-year-old rocket-armed NFL prospect, was indeed the person in question. Not retired NHL goalie Cam Ward, now 41 years old.

The name Cam Ward has very different meanings in North Carolina's Research Triangle and the rest of the country. In Raleigh, N.C., he is forever the nerve center of the Carolina Hurricanes' 2006 Stanley Cup team—the rookie who backstopped his squad to the promised land.

QB Cam Ward was drafted No. 1 overall by the Titans. Retired NHL goalie Cam Ward found himself back in the spotlight. A viral reaction to their shared name created a fun crossover moment. That too between hockey and football worlds.