Tragedy struck the North Carolina home of Tennessee Titans cornerback Caleb Farley late in the evening of Monday, Aug. 21, when a house explosion took the life of his father, Robert Farley.
The explosion, which is believed to be the result of a gas leak, also injured a family friend, who is expected to recover. Farley was not present when the explosion took place.
“My father was a stand-up guy,” Farley, who has been vocal about his Christian faith on social media and in interviews, told Queen City News. “He raised me to be a stand-up guy.”
On Tuesday, players and coaches for the Titans knelt in solidarity on the practice field to offer their prayers for Farley in the midst of this tragedy.
Members of the Titans organization also offered their support and condolences to Farley through public comments.
During a press conference, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said, “We’re going to do everything we can to support Caleb, his family. We’re going to do everything we can to be there for him, support him. That’s the most important thing is to focus on him…Everything else is pretty trivial.”
Teammate Derrick Henry said that he was praying for Farley and his family.
“We [were] probably one of the last ones in the locker room last night, just hanging around,” Henry recounted. The home explosion occurred mere hours later. “I just found out the news, but prayers for him. Keep him in our prayers. I’m praying for his family.”
“It’s a tragic situation,” Henry continued. “I can’t describe the way he probably feels right now. Just let him know we’re praying for him, we love him, and we’re all here for him if he needs someone to lean on.”
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Teammate Kevin Byard told reporters, “We’re thinking about him, praying for him. And, you know, Caleb’s a big believer, he has a lot of faith, and I just kind of told him to lean into his faith as hard as he’s ever done before.”
