When Cam Ward was selected first overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2025 NFL Draft, all of Nashville embraced not just their new franchise quarterback – but the viral celebration that has already become synonymous with him.
As the draft unfolded, countless fans imitated the move: a left hand covering the mouth and a limp right arm shaking in front, a gesture now deeply tied to Ward‘s growing stardom.
However, while many associate the celebration with Ward, he’s been quick to set the record straight. He refuses to take credit for inventing it.
The viral move first caught fire during Ward’s standout senior season at Miami, where he frequently celebrated touchdowns by placing his hand over his mouth and shaking his outstretched arm.
It quickly spread beyond college football, finding its way into youth leagues and even NFL sidelines.
Where did the Cam Ward celebration really come from?
Despite Ward‘s connection to the gesture, its roots trace back to Western Kentucky University. Dubbed “Zombieland,” the celebration originated in 2022 under the guidance of offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
Arbuckle, who has since moved to Oklahoma, introduced the move while coaching at Western Kentucky. When he later transitioned to Washington State, he brought the celebration with him – eventually passing it down to Ward.
In fairness, Ward did acknowledge Arbuckle‘s influence, stating that he wasn’t the creator of the move. However, he did not explicitly mention Western Kentucky as the true birthplace of the celebration, a detail that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Hilltoppers faithful.
Ward realized the staying power of the gesture when a defensive teammate jokingly threw it back at him during a practice after a big play. From that moment on, the ‘Zombieland’ celebration became a regular feature every time Ward found the end zone.
Cam Ward’s move takes over Tennessee
Now that Ward is the face of the Titans, it’s almost certain that his signature celebration will become a staple at Nissan Stadium.
Fans across Tennessee are already preparing to cover their mouths and shake their arms whenever their new quarterback strikes with a touchdown.
Though Ward may not have invented the move, he has undoubtedly elevated it to national fame.
And while the celebration will forever be tied to his name, it’s a reminder of how small traditions in college football can evolve into larger cultural phenomena when the right star carries them forward.
As Ward prepares for his rookie season, Titans fans can look forward to not just big plays – but plenty of viral moments. No matter who started it, the ‘Zombieland’ celebration looks set to take over the NFL.
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