NASHVILLE – Xavier Restrepo had a legendary career at the University of Miami, where he finished as the school's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
It earned him All-American honors, along with plenty of other accolades.
The success didn't result in Restrepo being picked in the NFL Draft, however, and when he joined the Titans as an undrafted free agent last offseason, he had to wait a long time just to get on the field, after initially being cut.
When Restrepo looked back at his rookie season, he said it was a learning experience.
"It was very humbling," he said. "But I think I learned so much through it, as far as being a pro each and every day, growing in my faith, and being ready when your time is called. And, for the most part, I think every time I stepped in the game, I was productive. I feel I took advantage of my opportunities, and that is what the NFL is about."
But things weren't easy for Restrepo as he worked to get on the field.
And the experience has inspired him to work even harder moving forward following a season when he did plenty of soul searching, and praying.
"My faith is the only thing that kept me going," Restrepo said. "My whole life story, I have always been an underdog. But it's different when you're at your dream, and your dream is so close, yet so far away. And the only thing you can rely on is your faith. Through so many prayers, and even doubt, I talked to my Lord and Savior and let Him know I was struggling with doubt and worry and this business, it's a Not For Long business. And I asked Him to give me confidence, and give me the joy of the game back, because I was losing it. I'll be honest: I was losing it.
"But me playing football again, God answered my prayers, and I am just super thankful."
After being inactive the first 10 weeks of the 2025 season while on the team's practice squad, Restrepo ended up playing in two games during the season. Restrepo caught two passes for 26 yards in his NFL debut against the Seahawks on November 23, but the following week against the Jaguars he was carted off with an ankle injury after making one catch for 15 yards.
The lack of playing time, and final stats – three catches for 41 yards – wasn't exactly what Restrepo envisioned when he joined Tennessee, where he was initially cut out of training camp, and signed to the team's practice squad. Restrepo ended up spending the entire year on the practice squad, as he was a gameday elevation for the two games.
Earlier this month the team retained Restrepo's rights by signing him to a futures contract.
Restrepo made it clear the doubt he experienced as a rookie had nothing to do with his ability, but more with whether he'd get a chance.
As he heads into the offseason, his plan to get better – and make more a bigger impact moving forward – is hard, but simple.
"Work, work and more work," he said.
Restrepo said he got faster working with the team's strength and conditioning staff during the course of the year.
Restrepo was clocked at 20.1 miles per hour prior to arriving in Tennessee, but he said he ran a 21.51 after working with Zac Woodfin, director of sports performance, and John Shaw, assistant sports performance – speed training.
Restrepo, who recorded 200 receptions, 2,844 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns at Miami, said he felt like he got better as a player as well.
But there's more work that needs to be done, and Restrepo knows it.
"I think this offseason will be a big stepping stone into my career next year," Restrepo said. "And I plan on putting in the work."
