From NFL Player to Coaching Redemption: The Mike Vrabel Way
From Gridiron to Sideline: The Playing Career of Mike Vrabel
It was in Akron, Ohio on August 14, 1975, that Mike Vrabel was born, sparking the start of his successful NFL carrier as player and coach. Two-time Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year and Consensus All-American in 1996, Mike was regarded as THE player during his stay at Ohio State, which is considered by many to be the beginning of his playing career. In 1997 NFL Draft third-round pick Vrabel with Steelers as four seasons began; he started in only nine total, spending most of those years backing up-though including such moments like that playoff strip-sack of Drew Bledsoe.
Until then, Vrabel’s career began when he signed a free agent contract with the New England Patriots in 2001. He was a main cog in the team’s defense with the Patriots during the victories in Super Bowls XXXVI, XXXVIII and XXXIX. His versatility was highlighted when he recorded receiving touchdowns in consecutive Super Bowls – something very few primarily defensive players had pulled off or would ever experience. After eight seasons with New England, he had a brief sojourn in Kansas City Chiefs before retiring in 2010.