PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

mike vrabel

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https://www.patspropaganda.com/6046/

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Vrabel had one year left on his contract when he went to Belichick in 2009 and told him he’d like to redo his deal. Within weeks, he was dealt to Kansas City.

It was a shocking and hurtful development for the proud linebacker, who had enjoyed a tremendous relationship with Belichick. Vrabel didn’t speak to his former coach for almost two years after the trade.

Time has softened Vrabel’s stance. He’s retired now and working as a defensive line coach at Ohio State, and hopes to pop in on a Patriots practice in Indianapolis.

“Bill and I are more than fine now,” Vrabel said. “To be honest, I had this revelation. Let’s say, for example, I stayed in New England and got old, and it got messy. Maybe I got cut. If that happened, we probably wouldn’t have a relationship.

"Looking back, what Bill did made sense. I went to K.C., met a ton of people. Now Bill and I talk all the time. I get advice on my players. I check on his daughter, who is at Ohio State.

"We never talked about the trade. We probably never will. But I know this: Bill cares. He doesn’t show it, but if you bust your ass for him, he’s got your back.

"Now, that may not come across in August in training camp. But one day, these guys will be 36 years old and they’ll understand what he was all about.”

Finally a little more light is shown on the Vrabel departure which is one of the most interesting player departures of the Belichick reign.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/vrabel-had-one-year-left-on-his-contract-when-he/

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He was the most intelligent football player I ever played with, on both sides of the ball. It was incredible with the way he would make adjustments on the field. It would be coming out of my mouth, the adjustments I would be making, and he would be saying them already. We would always be on the same page. The entire defense would be on the same page because of [Vrabel] and the work he did. Championships wouldn’t have been won without him and I think that intelligence is why they hired him over there at Ohio State. It’s perfect for him. All he ever did was talk about the Buckeyes and his college program. I was honored to play with him. Probably my favorite teammate of all time and I’m so proud of him and happy for him.

Bruschi on Vrabel

(and a bunch of other Patriots things here)

https://www.patspropaganda.com/he-was-the-most-intelligent-football-player-i/

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Congrats to Vrabel on a great career! He was a special player with the kind of attitude that could get under the skin of anyone, including his teammate Tedy Bruschi as Bru talked about in his book. But one of my favorite Vrabs stories was what he had to say to Philip Rivers during the 2006 AFCDG (yes, I was there). He pointed at Rivers and said “you’ll never be Drew Brees, you know it, (and then pointing to the fans) and they know it”.

Classic.

Despite the glowing comments from BB today…

“During his Patriots career, there was no player more respected for his football intellect and revered for his leadership by his teammates than Mike. "He was elected a team captain by his peers and is a player who I think everyone knew was destined to become a coach after his NFL playing career was over.

"Mike Vrabel is as well-suited for coaching as any player I have ever coached. He has a tremendous feel for people, players, coaches and what his team needs regardless of the situation. He is outstanding in his knowledge of the game, which contributed to his excellence as a player. I have no doubt Mike will develop tough, intelligent, fundamentally sound winners.”

I still think it is one of the great Patriots unknowns as to why Vrabel was traded to Kansas City basically as a throw in with Cassel. Did BB think he’d just lost his touch? He was just one season removed from a career high in sacks. Strange. Not sure what to make of it.
 

https://www.patspropaganda.com/congrats-to-vrabel-on-a-great-career-he-was-a/