Titans cornerback Keeping the Faith Despite Heartbreak and Persistent Health Problems

Caleb Farley, a Titans cornerback, sat alone at his locker in the last days of the 2023 season, a Bible in his hands, preparing for practice.

When approached, Farley smiled, as is customary for the apparently cheerful Farley.

Farley then revealed a secret.

“That’s not always how I feel on the inside,” Farley admitted. “However, that is how I choose to obey.” It’s my belief. But, like everyone else, I am a human being. Since I joined the league, everything has been extremely difficult. But that’s what I was advised to do in my book here (the Bible), so I do it. And I do it because it makes my life easier. It does help me get over these problems on the inside.”

Farley, a first-round pick of the Titans in the 2021 NFL Draft, has had a difficult life.

Farley’s mother died of breast cancer in 2018. His father was murdered in a house explosion in North Carolina in August 2023 as a result of a natural gas leak. Farley was in Nashville at the time, and he returned home quickly after the awful tragedy.

Farley returned to the Titans shortly after, and he said having teammates around helped him get through it all.

“They’ve all been a blessing to me,” stated Farley. “I thank God for every single one of them.”

Farley has remained frustrated about his condition throughout it all.

Farley did not play in 2023 because to lingering back troubles, which have now put his future in risk. He spent the whole season on the team’s Physically Unable to Perform list, although he was able to train in the final weeks.

“It forces me to stay out of the past,” Farley said of maintaining a positive attitude. “I can’t do anything.” I have to stay in the present because thinking about the past makes me unhappy. I get anxious when I think about the future.

“I just stay in the present, and I’m doing my best.”

Farley, who was selected 22nd overall in 2021, has played in just 12 games over the last two seasons due to injury. In addition to ongoing back troubles, Farley tore his ACL during his rookie season, cutting his season short.

Farley was connected with the club this past season but was unable to play due to nerve difficulties. Farley had back surgery prior to the draft, as well as back surgery in 2022.

“My back is fine,” remarked Farley. “There is nothing wrong with my back. However, a nerve in my left leg has been afflicted at various periods, resulting in a loss of strength. It’s an unusual situation.”

He went back in time for a split second.

“I wish I could go back to college,” she remarked, “when I was doing those heavy ass deadlifts, and never do them.”

But Farley immediately returned to gazing ahead.

Farley has one year left on his deal after three years in the NFL.

The general manager who picked him is no longer with the team, and the only NFL head coach he’s ever played for is no longer with it as well.

Farley has no control over any of this, so he plans to stay working and control what he can.

“I’m going to just push it,” he remarked. “It’s do-or-die time for me.” It’s either now or never. I’m just going to push it, and whatever my body permits me to do, I’m going to do. Many things are beyond my control, but what I can control is my effort and how hard I push myself. That is exactly what I intend to accomplish.

“This is my final year.” I haven’t been able to play at all, not while I’ve been healthy. For so long, I’ve been fighting the problem and attempting to get healthy. There are no doctors who can aid me in my current position. I’m not sure what will happen with it, whether it will improve or not. I’m just going to empty the tank, put in as much work as I can, and get my body as prepared as possible.

“But I still love football,” Farley added. “I always say I’m going to play until the wheels fall off, so I’m going to put in the necessary effort.” But I am certain. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe I could have an effect in this league, and that is exactly what I am here to demonstrate.”