NASHVILLE – First, Caleb Farley was drafted.
The next day, the former Virginia Tech defensive back was given the royal treatment on his initial visit to his new NFL team – he recalled being blown away by seeing the Titans logo on the plane that picked him up earlier this month.
On his first day of rookie camp, Farley agreed to – and signed – his lucrative rookie contract.
Now, comes the hard part – waiting. Waiting to get healthy while the rest of his teammates practice.
"I'm dying to get back on the football field," Farley said over the weekend. "So that's why I'm just waking up every day and putting everything I have to invest and getting back healthy."
"… I'm rehabbing my butt off, trying to get in the best shape that I can possibly get in and getting ready to get back out there."
The Titans held a rookie minicamp over the weekend, and 27 players took part in the practices in some fashion, from the team's other seven draft picks, 10 undrafted free agents, players with limited experience, and a handful of players invited to Nashville on a tryout basis.
Farley, who is recovering from back surgery, was at Saint Thomas Sports Park, as well. While his teammates practiced, he attended meetings, watched film, met with coaches and teammates, studied his playbook and did plenty of rehab work with the team's training staff.
It wasn't all bad, he said. Despite being held back because of the lingering recovery, Farley has kept a positve outlook.
"Rookie camp has been awesome," Farley said. "It's been a lot of fun. I's been exciting, meeting a lot of new people and getting to know the staff and everybody that makes this program work. … I am extremely excited to have this opportunity with my teammates. … I feel like a freshman in college all over again."
Titans coach Mike Vrabel said Farley is doing everything he can to this point.
"He's studying, he's been conscientious," Vrabel said. "He's answered the questions that I've had for him on our team meeting as it relates his assignments."
Selected with the 22nd overall pick out of Virginia Tech, Farley is counting the day until he can return, although it's currently unclear exactly when that will be.
The Titans are looking forward to that day as well.
Farley earned All-ACC honors at Virginia Tech in 2019, as he led the conference in passes defensed (16) and ranked second in interceptions (4). In two seasons for the Hokies, he played in 24 games and totaled 56 tackles, six interceptions, 25 passes defensed and one sack. Farley opted out of the 2020 season.
"They have a great plan for me and (I'm) just following that every day and working hard at it," Farley said. "I feel like (the defense here) fits my skill set well. I think that's why they picked me, because a scheme that I could fit in, and I'm just extremely excited to have this opportunity to bond with my teammates.
"I am so eager to get back on the field, and to play football. Just having something to look at and study (with a playbook), and move forward to a certain goal, is extremely exciting."
