Tennessee Titans wide receiver Xavier Restrepo continues to show steady dedication, maintaining a strong on-field connection with his former college quarterback Cam Ward as he battles to earn a spot on the final roster.
Xavier Restrepo’s journey with the Tennessee Titans is not just a story of a wide receiver trying to find his place in the NFL; it’s a tale of resilience, consistency, and the power of long-standing chemistry. As he fights to carve out a spot on the Titans’ 53-man roster, Restrepo is leaning heavily on the connection he shares with his former college quarterback, Cam Ward. Their bond, forged in the trenches of college football, is proving to be a valuable asset as they transition to the professional stage together. But in a league where jobs are never guaranteed and every rep counts, Restrepo knows that familiarity alone won’t secure his future—performance, discipline, and persistence will.
Restrepo, a standout during his time in college, wasn’t the flashiest or most talked-about receiver in the draft process, but those who watched him closely understood what he brought to the table: reliability, route-running precision, and a relentless work ethic. Those traits have translated well during the Titans’ offseason program and training camp, where he’s quietly but consistently made plays, earned reps, and stayed after practice to refine the little details of his game.
Cam Ward, who joined the Titans alongside Restrepo, has his own battle as a rookie quarterback, but it’s clear that the rapport he shares with his former top target is something special. In practices, the two have frequently linked up on timing routes, quick outs, and deep throws, showing a rhythm that other quarterbacks and receivers are still working to develop. For Restrepo, having Ward around has made the transition to the NFL smoother. There’s an unspoken trust there, a mutual understanding built over seasons of shared snaps, film sessions, and sideline conversations.
What makes Restrepo’s fight for a roster spot so compelling is not just his underdog status, but the way he approaches each day like a professional. Coaches have praised his consistency and his understanding of the playbook. In a wide receiver room that features young talent, experienced veterans, and high draft picks, Restrepo knows he must stand out in the margins—whether that’s executing blocks on running plays, contributing on special teams, or making the tough catches in traffic that move the chains. Every opportunity matters, and Restrepo is treating them as such.
During early training camp sessions, Restrepo has made the most of his reps. He’s caught the eye of Titans coaches with crisp routes, sticky hands, and an ability to find soft spots in zone coverage. While some receivers rely on size or raw speed, Restrepo plays with a technician’s mindset. His footwork is clean, his releases are calculated, and his timing with Ward adds an extra layer of confidence to their execution.
It’s no secret that the Titans are in a period of transition on offense. With a new coaching staff led by head coach Brian Callahan and offensive coordinator Nick Holz, the team is installing a new system, one that values timing, spacing, and precision—traits that align perfectly with Restrepo’s skill set. Though not a burner, Restrepo’s intelligence and reliability have allowed him to adapt quickly, and he’s become a quiet favorite among coaches for his professionalism and effort.
Ward has also spoken highly of Restrepo throughout camp, noting the comfort he feels when throwing his way. That chemistry isn’t something that can be coached overnight—it’s earned through reps, trust, and shared adversity. For Restrepo, having Ward in the quarterback room doesn’t guarantee targets or favoritism, but it does provide a valuable foundation on which to build. It also creates moments of comfort in the pressure-packed world of training camp, where every snap is evaluated and roster spots are constantly in flux.
In the NFL, the difference between making a roster and getting cut can come down to inches, split seconds, or one standout performance. Restrepo seems to understand this with clarity. That’s why, even when others head to the locker room after practice, he stays on the field, often catching passes from Ward or working on his releases with a coach. It’s a mentality that’s been with him since his early college days—an understanding that talent must be paired with effort, and that effort must be consistent, not occasional.
Veterans in the locker room have taken notice of Restrepo’s approach. Several have mentioned his attention to detail and willingness to learn. He asks questions in meetings, takes coaching well, and applies feedback immediately. In a league where rookies often struggle to adjust to the speed and complexity of the professional game, Restrepo’s maturity stands out. He carries himself like someone who knows he belongs, even if he still has to prove it.
The Titans’ wide receiver depth chart is far from settled, and that works in Restrepo’s favor. Beyond a few roster locks, there’s room for a player like him to make an impression, particularly if he can contribute on special teams. Restrepo has embraced that role, working with the special teams units in practice and showing a willingness to do whatever is asked of him. Coaches love that kind of mindset—players who understand that the fastest way to a roster spot is often through versatility and selflessness.
Still, the road is anything but easy. Every day, Restrepo is competing against other hungry players—draft picks with guaranteed money, undrafted free agents with a chip on their shoulders, and veterans trying to hold onto their jobs. It’s a daily battle, one that requires mental toughness as much as physical skill. But Restrepo’s approach has been unwavering. He focuses on what he can control: his preparation, his effort, and his execution.
As the preseason games draw closer, the stakes will only get higher. That’s where players like Restrepo have the best chance to make a name for themselves. It’s one thing to flash in practice—it’s another to do it in live action against an opposing defense. Restrepo knows that and is preparing accordingly. Every preseason snap will be a job interview, not just with the Titans but with the entire league. Film circulates quickly in the NFL, and even if he doesn’t make the final roster in Tennessee, a strong showing could earn him interest elsewhere.
But make no mistake—Restrepo wants to stay in Tennessee. He believes in the direction of the franchise, appreciates the opportunity he’s been given, and values the culture being built under the new regime. More than anything, he wants to continue playing with Ward, their journey from college to the NFL still unfolding.
There’s a quiet confidence about Restrepo. He doesn’t need to shout or seek attention. He lets his play speak, and so far, it’s been speaking volumes. Whether it’s a one-handed grab in tight coverage, a well-executed route in a two-minute drill, or a heads-up block to spring a big run, Restrepo is finding ways to contribute. Those are the moments that matter in the eyes of coaches—moments that say, “This guy can help us win.”
As the Titans continue their camp and inch closer to roster cutdowns, the picture will become clearer. But for now, Xavier Restrepo is doing everything within his power to force his name into that final conversation. He’s showing up, stacking good days, and building on the foundation he’s spent years laying. He’s not just relying on chemistry with Ward—he’s earning respect on his own merit, play by play, day by day.
In a league where opportunity is fleeting and the margin for error is razor-thin, Xavier Restrepo is giving himself a real shot. And as long as he keeps doing what he’s doing—staying consistent, staying prepared, and staying connected—he just might find that all the work he’s put in leads exactly where he hopes: a spot on the Tennessee Titans’ 53-man roster.
