Tubi is popular because it’s a free streaming service that boasts a vast library, including several bad movies. It’s not the first option you think of for sports documentaries. So, it was a surprise when it was revealed that Tubi will air a six-episode documentary about Cam Ward, the top overall pick of the 2025 draft by the Tennessee Titans.
The Firebrand Media-produced series, called Zero Star: The Cam Ward Story, is scheduled to air in September. It reportedly focuses on Ward’s journey from a “Zero Star” high school recruit to becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist for the University of Miami and the top player selected in the draft. The release date will coincide with the start of the NFL season, with the Titans opening at the Denver Broncos on Sept. 7.
Cam Ward drops a dime to Calvin Ridley 🎯
— ESPN Fantasy Sports (@ESPNFantasy) May 27, 2025
(via @Titans)pic.twitter.com/x4oEzL6h4R
This decision by Tubi is premature. We already have too many instant documentaries, and they all want to be the first to tell a story that isn’t complete. Documentaries are best told after a passage of time, allowing filmmakers and the audience to see the subject from a different perspective that comes with time. The Cam Ward story is just getting started. Why is there a need for a Ward docuseries, especially one in six parts? What’s the rush?
If Cam Ward is a bust, this docuseries will age poorly.
According to Michael Schneider of Variety, Ward is signed under Firebrand’s Fifteen58 Sports Management vertical. So, perhaps the answers lie there, fulfilling a need to boost Ward’s profile while promoting a narrative that will play well with most fans. Maybe the filmmakers will argue that this docuseries is more about his college career. It is said to include: “archival footage, behind-the-scenes moments and interviews with Ward, his family, coaches, teachers and teammates.”
However, the timing suggests otherwise. Ward’s performance for the Titans will be one of the season’s biggest storylines. This docuseries adds even more attention and pressure on a 23-year-old when the track record on quarterbacks drafted in the first round isn’t great.
This didn’t have to happen. You could make a reasonable argument for a Travis Hunter documentary. He’s the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and a curiosity because he played wide receiver and cornerback in college and will attempt double duty in the NFL. You could make a reasonable argument for Arch Manning whenever he turns pro because he’s a Nepo baby QB. Hunter and Manning have national followings with built-in intrigue.
No one was clamoring for a Ward documentary. He’s not that kind of star, at least not yet.
“He’s probably one of the least hyped No. 1 overall picks that we’ve talked about in a long time.”@LRiddickESPN sees big potential for Cam Ward in the Titans’ offense 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WOPZYTp0op
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 11, 2025
This isn’t like last year’s Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears. While Caleb Williams was a story, the documentary focused on the team as a whole. With the Tubi docuseries, it’s all about Ward, which may not necessarily sit great with his teammates. Potentially worst of all, even if it mostly focuses on his college career, there could be scenes or moments that don’t look great if Ward disappoints as a pro.
Coaches want to avoid distractions. Ward’s doc could be one, depending on what it shows and how the season goes.
If you’re going to do a docuseries on a rookie quarterback, wouldn’t it serve his best interests to take a more humble approach? To capture the moments and images of the season, good or bad, organically would make for better TV. It might buy him some sympathy if he struggles. It also might make people love him more if he excels.
In recent years, some rookie QBs have made a major impact. Brock Purdy, C.J. Stroud, and Jayden Daniels exceeded expectations. However, none were the first overall pick. The last No.1 overall selection to look good from the start was Joe Burrow in 2020, and even the Cincinnati Bengals passer didn’t reach the Pro Bowl until his third season. And while Burrow was atop everyone’s draft board, Ward wasn’t the consensus best prospect in the draft.
Maybe Cam Ward becomes a success story. He’d better be for the sake of this docuseries.