The Titans’ Dynamic Duo: Ward and Restrepo Seek to Make Their Mark in the NFL
Tennessee Titans rookies Cameron Ward and Xavier Restrepo arrived together at St. Thomas Sports Park after leading Miami to its first 10-win season since 2017. However, their paths in the NFL have taken different directions. The Titans selected Ward with the first overall pick in April, hoping he would become their quarterback of the future. Two days later, they signed Restrepo, their primary target, as an undrafted free agent. Ward urged the Titans to recruit Restrepo, who had 69 receptions for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, propelling Miami to be one of the highest-scoring offenses in the country.Despite a prominent career in Miami, questions arose about Restrepo’s speed after he recorded an unofficial time of 4.83 seconds in the 40-yard dash at his pro day. Teams overlooked the 200 career receptions that gave him 2,844 yards and 21 touchdowns, setting program records. Restrepo now faces an uphill battle to be part of the Titans’ roster, but he is working hard to forge his path.He gave me a great opportunity to get my foot in the door. I am very grateful to him. But at the end of the day, I am a grown man, just like him. So I have to get mine.
Xavier Restrepo
Restrepo’s work ethic stood out before he was recruited. He overcame hamstring issues at Miami’s tryout and then showed up for the Titans’ private workout with Ward the next day.X is like Cam’s shadow. They are always doing things together. X is trying everything possible to put himself in a position to play well and have the opportunity to get into our roster.
Brian Callahan, Titans Coach
Early mornings are still part of Restrepo’s routine in the NFL. He gets up around 4:30 a.m. and heads to the facilities. Offensive coordinator Nick Holz joked that the group arrives before some coaches and praised Restrepo for the detail he puts into studying the playbook.The preparation hasn’t changed.
Xavier Restrepo
Knowing exactly where he needs to be and how to adjust routes to different defenses allows Restrepo to play faster than his 40-yard time would indicate. The results were evident early in OTAs and minicamp, with Restrepo routinely making plays during 7-on-7 and team periods. Unlike the OTAs and minicamp, Restrepo’s repetitions on the field with Ward have largely decreased in training camp. Now he’s catching passes from backups Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle. But Ward is in Restrepo’s ear whenever they’re together between repetitions. At the beginning of training camp, Restrepo didn’t have the same success, but says his confidence never wavered because of his faith, with his bracelet displaying his favorite scripture serving as a daily motivator.His understanding of the offense at this moment is elite. I think the most important thing he has improved on since he’s been here is learning the new terminology quickly.
Cameron Ward
Ward was able to experience firsthand how well Restrepo can find holes in the defense and become a reliable target for his quarterbacks. Most of Restrepo’s reps came working from the slot, but he has also begun to get reps on the outside, which should help his chances of making the roster. Opportunities are starting to arrive, with Restrepo drawing attention last week when he lined up behind the defense on a post route and caught a deep pass from Allen.I never get too excited or too depressed. I carry Philippians 4:13 on my arm every day because I know I can do anything through Him.
Xavier Restrepo
There’s something about him as a football player that can’t be measured. He just has a special ability to find space and be open, and the ball tends to find him. X is really smart. He does a good job of being aware of what he’s supposed to know and do. He’s going to fight like crazy to find a way to get on our team.
Brian Callahan, Titans Coach
