Mike Vrabel recalled getting into a training camp fight as a rookie in 1997

Former NFL rookie Mike Vrabel is currently in his first season as Patriotshead’s coach.

Additionally, things didn’t always go as planned for Vrabel in 1997, when he was a third-round choice on the Steelers and trying to establish a good first impression. On the first day of Pittsburgh’s padded practice, the former Ohio State star got into a brawl.

He was reminded of this reality on Monday before New England’s first pad-practice of the training camp. Vrabel elaborated on his response when MassLive’s Karen Guregian questioned him during his pre-practice press conference if it was reasonable to infer he doesn’t want rookies doing that in 2025.

He joked, “I don’t want any of us doing that.” When asked if he could elaborate on that earlier period of his career, Vrabel promptly said, “Nope.” But after a while, he thought back on the incident.

When asked if he has explicitly instructed players not to fight, the New England coach gave a thorough justification.

Naturally, Vrabel answered. We want to be allowed to practice in the same physical and regulation-abiding manner that we must play. Have a fantastic play style, finish before the whistle blows, and so forth.

The team will lose if you throw a punch because you will be removed from the game. “So, I don’t expect any of that,” he continued. My goal is for us to celebrate together as a squad and as a defensive unit. Instead of engaging in taunting and other activities that are not permitted during the game, the offensive unit should become excited and celebrate together.

When Guregian asked Vrabel if he had won his own fight in 1997, Vrabel finally fell for the ruse.

He answered, “I believe I did.” It’s a good narrative of a veteran player who doesn’t use the fight. Greg Lloyd was a formidable player with a lot of dominance. He didn’t speak to me during OTAs after I was picked in April. Remember, I’m on the defense.

For the duration of the offseason, he didn’t speak to me. We attend a training camp. Vrabel said, “You know, the next time you want to come up underneath the face mask?” “There’s a fight with me and a tight end, and I’m exhausted after practice, and I see this shadow come over me as I’m sitting in the locker room,” he said in a deep voice. I thought, Are you going to speak to me now? “Yeah, I just wanted to make sure you weren’t like a punk before I talked to you,” he says. It’s an excellent illustration of a seasoned professional ensuring that newcomers, I suppose, earn their stripes somewhat.

Vrabel played for Pittsburgh from 1997 to 2000 after being selected by the Steelers in the draft. However, he was let to try free agency after failing to establish himself as a starter. The Patriots, led by Bill Belichick, were happy to sign him. The edge-rusher played a significant role in the early years of New England’s 21st-century dynasty, winning three Super Bowls in four seasons.

Since 2016, Hayden Bird has been employed at Boston.com as a sports staff writer. He covers all aspect of New England sports.