Undrafted Matthias Farley strives to ‘make dream a reality’ with Cardinals
Jun 19, 2016, 3:00 PM
Notre Dame cornerback Matthias Farley (41) reacts to making a defensive stop against Wake Forest during the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Undrafted rookie Matthias Farley has joined a crowded secondary on the Arizona Cardinals and is striving to make the roster.
Farley spoke with “Off the Edge’s” Bertrand Berry on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Friday about his mindset to make his dream of playing in the NFL a reality.
“You look at the average career in the NFL, it’s not that long,” Farley said. “So, you have a short window to make a dream a reality. I just try to go out every day, focus on what I can control; my attitude, my effort and how I’ve prepared.”
He continued, “I take it one step at a time and not look too far ahead because you can’t control the future and none of us know what’s going to happen in the future. All we have is right now. I went out every day throughout the OTAs and mini-camp and tried to win the day that day.”
Farley played in 52 games, including 26 starts, for Notre Dame in his college career, racking up 192 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 13 passes defensed and eight interceptions. He reached the 40-tackle mark in each of his four seasons with the Fighting Irish.
The 2014 season was his best season as he set career-highs in tackles (53), tackles for loss (6.5), sacks (3.5) and interceptions (4).
Although he didn’t start for Notre Dame last season, Farley still got a lot of playing time. He was used as the nickel defensive back in sub-packages as well as taking part in special teams coverage.
Special teams could be Farley’s foot in the door as it could be difficult earning time over fellow secondary members that include Tyrann Mathieu, Tyvon Branch, Chris Clemons, Tony Jefferson, D.J. Swearinger and draft picks Marqui Christian and Harlan Miller.
