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Xavier Restrepo shared three words to sum up his mindset after learning he did not make the Tennessee Titans' initial 53-man squad.
"God NEVER fails," the rookie wide receiver wrote on X Monday evening.
Restrepo's story carries intrigue due to his relationship with quarterback Cam Ward. The two came together at Miami in 2024. creating one of the best QB-WR duos in college football.
Ward often extended plays with improvisational style and Restrepo found soft spots in coverage to bail him out consistently. Their understanding helped fuel the Hurricanes' rise into the nation's highest-scoring offense.
That bond followed them to Tennessee. Ward, drafted first overall in April, lobbied for Restrepo. The Titans roped Restrepo in as an undrafted free agent.
"Whether he throws a pick or five touchdowns, we're going to be in here at 5 a.m. watching film," Restrepo said, according to Yahoo Sports"
"Every single day. We don't leave practice. We always end practice on a drill. That's a must every single day."
Xavier Restrepo faces the reality of roster math
During training camp, Xavier Restrepo and Cam Ward's bond became a centre of attraction among teammates and fans.
"X is kind of like Cam's shadow," Titans coach Brian Callahan said, according to Yahoo Sports. "
"They're always kind of doing stuff together. X is trying everything he can and every possible way to put himself in a position to play well and a chance to make our roster ... Cam is trying to help him do that."
Without the benefit of draft status or a special teams role to fall back on, roster hopefuls like Xavier Restrepo often face long odds.
Teams typically include six or seven wideouts, with many back-end roster spots decided by special-teams value. Restrepo, known primarily as a slot option, faced stiff competition from veterans and other rookies who filled multiple roles.
Tennessee's depth at receiver and Restrepo's short exposure on special teams damaged his chances. By the final week of preseason, the coaching staff emphasised other players who could contribute in several phases.
Being Waived does not necessarily end Restrepo's NFL pursuit. If he clear waivers, the Titans could include him to their 16-player practice squad or another team may take interest in his track record.
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