Titans QB Cam Ward Shares Kobe Bryant Inspiration Before NBA Celebrity All-Star Game

The 23-year-old quarterback compared his basketball skills to the NBA legend.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward made an appearance before the start of the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game. During a short interview, the 23-year-old quarterback compared his basketball skills to that of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, stating that he was a serious hooper as an adolescent and holds the record for most points scored in his high school.

Why it matters

Ward's comments about his basketball prowess and Kobe Bryant inspiration provide a lighthearted look at the NFL player's interests and background outside of football, as the Titans quarterback looks to bounce back from an injury-shortened 2025-26 season.

The details

Ward said his career high in basketball is 50 points and that he was the all-time leading scorer at his high school. He also stated that Kobe Bryant is his favorite player and that he models his basketball game after the NBA legend. Ward's final game of the 2025-26 NFL regular season ended abruptly in Week 18 after he suffered a shoulder injury, but the injury was never considered serious and he is expected to be fully healthy throughout most of the offseason.

  • Ward made the comments before the start of the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game on February 14, 2026.

The players

Cam Ward

The 23-year-old quarterback for the Tennessee Titans who has a background in basketball and is a fan of Kobe Bryant.

Kobe Bryant

The late NBA legend whose basketball skills Ward says he models his own game after.

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What they’re saying

“My career high is 50 [points]. That's documented too. All-time leading scorer at my high school. So, you know, I gotta little hoopin' in my background, but, you know, I love playing basketball… Kobe, for sure. That's my favorite player, and I think I just hoop exactly like him.”

— Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans Quarterback (Sports Central L.A.)

What’s next

Ward is expected to be fully healthy throughout most of the offseason as the Titans look to address their roster and prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Ward's comments about his basketball skills and Kobe Bryant inspiration provide a glimpse into the quarterback's interests and background outside of football, as he looks to bounce back from an injury-shortened 2025-26 season with the Titans.