NASHVILLE – Caleb Farley has every reason to be down.
But don't tell that to the Titans cornerback, who keeps getting up.
"Man, I'm just so grateful," Farley said after practice on Thursday. "I've been feeling extremely grateful. I don't think you guys understand – I really truly believed I would never play football again. And just to be out here, running around and practicing, I am so grateful.
"Glory be to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. I am just grateful and happy to be out there. God has been there to nudge me along these very, very low and dark moments. There have been some very dark times. … I have the mentality to look ahead and see opportunity in front of me."
Life hasn't been easy for Farley, a first-round pick of the Titans in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Back in 2018, Farley lost his mother to breast cancer. In August 2023, his father was killed suddenly in a house explosion in North Carolina due to a natural gas leak. Farley was in Nashville at the time, and he hurried back home following the tragic event.
Farley rejoined the Titans not long after in the fall, and he said having teammates and coaches around helped him through it all. Farley said they continue to push him.
Through it all, Farley has continued to deal with frustration about his health.
Farley didn't play at all in 2023 because of lingering issues related to his back. He spent the whole season on the team's Physically Unable to Perform list, but he was able to practice the last few weeks of the season.
Farley has practiced in OTAs and minicamp this offseason, and he's ready to compete.
"I've had a lot of emotions, and a lot of passion in my belly for a long time," Farley said. "And the only way sometimes to release that is to put on the pads."
Selected 22nd overall back in 2021, Farley has played in just 12 games over the past three seasons while dealing with injuries. In addition to lingering issues with his back, Farley tore his ACL during his rookie season, which cut that season short.
This past season, Farley was involved with the team, but not available to play because of issues related to a nerve. Farley had back surgery leading up to the draft, and he also had a back surgery in 2022.
Three years into his NFL career, Farley now has one year left on his contract.
Farley said he's not sure what the future holds, but he knows he'll fight.
"Do I think I'll ever be the athlete I was when I was in college, coming out, before all this nerve thing? No," Farley said. "But do I believe I have enough, and more than enough to get the job done at a high level? Absolutely.
"I'm telling you: God has truly come through and done the impossible. I have to proclaim that loud and clear. I felt hopeless and helpless, and somehow, I'm still standing here in cleats, practicing. This is Year 4, the last year of my deal. I am ready to empty the tank and let it go."
