"Stop villainizing these students": Former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III stands up for Cam Ward amid backlash for sitting out the 2nd half

Quarterback Cam Ward and the No. 13-ranked Miami Hurricanes played in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday. In the game, the No. 18-ranked Iowa State Cyclones narrowly defeated them 42-41.

The big story coming out of the game was that Cam Ward decided to participate. However, after setting the Division I TD passing record with his 156th TD pass of his career, Ward decided to sit out the second half. This decision has drawn significant criticism from fans and the media.

Former Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III went on X on Saturday night to defend Cam Ward.

"Same people criticizing Cam Ward for sitting out the 2nd half of the Pop Tarts Bowl, would be saying how dumb it was for him to play if he got hurt. He didn’t have to play AT ALL. Instead he gave us a half of jaw dropping plays. Stop villainizing these student athletes."

Head coach Mario Cristobal comments on Cam Ward's decision to sit out

Robert Griffin III was not the only person to defend Cam Ward's decision to sit out. His coach Mario Cristobal also defended him in the media. After the game, Cristobal was asked about Ward's decision to sit out and said:

"All meetings with players, and decisions like that, we made them in private, we keep them in private. So, I'll prefer not to answer any questions as it relates to that. But I know he played his best while he was in there."

Whether this is true is not possible for anyone outside of the Miami Hurricanes organization to know. However, Cristobal was clear in defending Ward to the media. It was notable that Ward was not at the press conference.

Ward is projected to be a top pick in the 2025 NFL draft, and it is not uncommon for players in his position to sit out non-playoff bowl games. However, playing part of the game and then sitting out while it is close is uncommon.

If Ward had sat out the entire game, it would not have drawn criticism. However, many fans and media personalities are upset because they think he only played the first half so that he could set the passing touchdowns record.

Regardless of his reasons, this decision could be a talking point around him until the draft in the spring.