NASHVILLE – New Titans safety Matthias Farley is ready to serve on the field, and in the Nashville community.
During a video conference call on Tuesday, the five-year NFL veteran said he has a vision that is all encompassing.
"Being in the NFL, we all have a platform, and have different levels of gifts and talents and favor and all of those things," Farley said. "Using the platform that we have to have a positive influence on not just the people that we're around every day, but the people within the community of Nashville, and around Nashville, is near and dear to my heart.
"Just by showing up, by being kind, by being authentic, I can have a positive influence on someone younger than me. … It is super humbling (to have the opportunity), and I take it very seriously. I am excited to get involved in the community as well as in the locker room."
Farley, who played the past two seasons with the New York Jets, was added to the team on a one-year deal at the end of March to help on special teams, and potentially in the defense.
Farley, named a special teams captain with the New York Jets in 2020, played in all 16 games last season, when he made a pair of starts. Last season, Farley led the Jets in special teams tackles with eight and added 16 tackles and three passes defensed in 16 games, including two starts, as a safety.
Farley (5-11, 210) played his first three NFL seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, where he played in 37 games, with 16 starts, from 2016-2018. Farley started 15 of 16 games for the Colts in 2017, when he recorded 98 tackles, seven passes defensed, and an interception.
Farley said he wants to help the Titans any way he can.
"It's a new opportunity, it's a new city, and it's a winning organization," Farley said of the Titans. "I was in Indy for three years, and we always had battles when I was there against the Titans. I always had a lot of respect for the Titans and what was brought to the table week in and week out – the character of the guys, the competitive nature of the guys. Now to come in and be a part of that, I am really, really excited. It's a playoff caliber team and I am here to serve and do whatever I can to help the team.
"My one goal coming in is just to be trusted. Be trusted on special teams and work my way from there. I want to come in and be trusted, and whatever doors open from that I am very available to, and I am excited about. But you have to earn the respect and earn the trust, so that is my mindset coming in."
In his five NFL seasons, Farley has played in 66 games, with 18 starts, and he's been credited with 158 stops, three interceptions, and 14 passes defensed in addition to 28 special teams stops.
He'll arrive in Nashville with some familiar faces around him.
In college at Notre Dame, Farley was coached by Titans safeties coach Scott Booker.
Farley played in 52 games (26 starts) in four seasons with the Irish, and was credited with 192 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 8 interceptions, 13 passes defensed and one forced fumble. Farley initially entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Cardinals in 2016.
Farley said he's looking forward to working under Booker again. Also with the Titans, he'll be reunited with defensive lineman Denico Autry, his former teammate with the Colts.
"I am really excited to play with Denico," Farley said. "He has a super high motor, a high character guy, he demands a lot from those around him. He's an energy guy who has made big plays, and he is super humble. Being around a guy like that is inspiring, and I am really excited to be his teammate again."
Farley, the sixth of seven kids, hopes to make a mark himself in Nashville, in more ways than one.
Farley said he loves football for three reasons: The big platform it gives him to have a positive influence on others, because it allows him to compete, and because it provides a chance to take care of his family financially.
Now, he'll looks to spread his wings in Nashville, with the Titans.
The Titans released veteran Kenny Vaccaro last month, which opened up a spot alongside safety Kevin Byard in 2021. Safety Amani Hooker, who tied for the team lead with four interceptions in 2020, will be in the competition, but the spot will have to be earned in training camp. Dane Cruikshank is also set to return in 2021 and he'll be in the mix as well.
So will Farley.
"It's a huge opportunity," Farley said. "I am excited to get in the locker room and to meet everybody, and serve."
