Mike Vrabel was a menace to NFL QBs during his time as a linebacker. Yeah, we know the new Patriots boss has also gone on to have a successful stint as an NFL head coach. But Vrabel’s time on the gridiron is remembered fondly by someone whom he sacked for the final time back in the day. And let’s just say he, too, didn’t forget his final victim before hanging up his cleats back in 2010.

To break it down for you, Vrabel had an illustrious career for 14 seasons in the league. He spent a number of years first in Pittsburgh, then with the Patriots, where he truly shined, winning 3 Lombardi’s. However, neither of those teams was part of the last sack he got in his career. Vrabel moved to Kansas City in his last two years before drawing curtains in his hall-of-fame career. And you know what? He didn’t even record a single sack with the Chiefs in 2010. So, his last sack probably came in 2009, when he recorded just two to end his first season with KC.

But even after almost 16 years, Vrabel still remembers who his 66th victim was . In a short NFL on Prime video with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Vrabel revealed his final victim. It first started off with Fitzpatrick confessing, “I was sacked 300 times in my NFL career. The last person to sack me was Joey Bosa. You had 66 career sacks, regular season and playoffs.” He then threw the ball on Vrabel’s court, asking, “Who was the last QB you sacked?” And Vrabel stood for a second, probably taking a trip back in his memory lane of sacks, and answered, “Ryan Fitzpatrick.”

Well, you know what made that confession more amazing? There was no love lost between the two, even if Vrabel’s last victim was Fitzpatrick. Hearing the 3-time Super Bowl Champion’s answer made the two embrace each other. Keeping aside their rivalries, it was truly a heartwarming moment seeing the two remember their time on the gridiron. As for Fitzpatrick, he was a journeyman in the league, playing for 9 franchises, the most of any QBs. And that’s not all? Ryan also remains the only player to throw at least one passing TD with eight different franchises. Talk about adaptability.

Speaking of adaptability, Vrabel probably won’t have an issue adapting to his new job in New England. And this time, he won’t be getting sacks. Instead, the focus will be on delivering results.

Mike Vrabel returns to the Patriots, this time as a head coach

One former linebacker was out of the club, and another former linebacker was in within a few days. But this time, the results could be significantly different in comparison the Jerod Mayo era. Yes, Mayo was a former Pat and also a LBs coach under Bill Belichick, but he never proved himself in a head coach capacity. And that proved to be a bit costly for the Patriots, as Mayo led them to a 4-13 record. To quickly sort out the mess left by Mayo, the Pats brought in their 3-time Super Bowl winner—who was considered the most viable candidate by many—Mike Vrabel, “It’s my great honor to introduce you all to the next head coach of the New England Patriots, Mike Vrabel,” the Patriots owner, Robert Kraft.

Vrabel, who is not only a multiple-time Super Bowl winner, is also a part of the Patriots Hall of Fame. So, he clearly knows what is expected of him upon his arrival, “The banners that hang in our stadium. They’re not going to help us win. But I think it’s a great reminder of what it takes to win and the type of people that you have in the organization, the selflessness, the work, and the sacrifice that you have to make.” 

So, let’s see how this appointment pans out for the Pats. Vrabel does have the potential as a head coach, considering his time in Tennessee. But can we do the same in New England with a rebuilding project? I guess only time will tell what will come out of Vrabel’s return to Foxboro.