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Mike Vrabel's responsibility on the New England Patriots go beyond just being their head coach. He was brought in to change the culture in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Sometimes, such a job requires one to get their hands a little dirty, or their face a little bloody. The soon-to-be 50-year-old sent a thunderous message to his team and the rest of the league when he jumped in between a fight that broke out during Wednesday's joint practice with the Washington Commanders.
The former All-Pro linebacker is still a warrior, even if he is wearing a headset instead of a helmet nowadays. When an altercation between rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson and a Commanders player occurred, Vrabel came rushing onto the field to play peacekeeper. Eventually, a pile formed on top of the 2021-22 Coach of the Year, leaving him with a gash on his face for his trouble. True to form, Vrabel laughed it off, telling his players, “you should see the other guy.”
Dianna Russini of The Athletic asked the question that everyone else was wondering: why did you do that? The Patriots and their fans will love the response. “I want them to know I got their back,” Vrabel said, according to the NFL insider.
I asked Mike Vrabel why he jumped into Wednesday's joint practice scrum between the Patriots and Commanders.
"I just want them to know I got their back," he told me.pic.twitter.com/xzadWdfznQ
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 8, 2025
Mike Vrabel is setting the tone for the Patriots
Although New England has not even competed in a preseason game yet this year, the atmosphere surrounding this team already feels unrecognizable, in the best way possible. Investing a boatload of money in free agency will obviously have that effect, but an infusion of talent can only do so much. A strong leader is needed to inspire the locker room and properly put all the pieces in place.
Moreover, they are supposed to practice what they preach. Mike Vrabel can ignite a squad with his words, but he makes an ever bigger impression by charging into battle at a moment's notice. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye and others praised the Patriots Hall of Famer for carrying himself with intensity and fearlessness, and they intend to follow suit when it comes time to compete.
The bond between coach and team should only grow stronger after Wednesday's display. When Vrabel does or says something, players are inclined to listen. Not just because he is the man in charge, but because he has experienced the ultimate success in New England. The three-time Super Bowl champion poured his blood, sweat and tears into the franchise when he wore a Pats uniform during the legendary 2000s.
And now, he is doing the same while manning the sidelines. The Patriots face the Commanders on Friday night in Gillette Stadium. Maybe they should save a uniform for Vrabel, just in case things get testy again.
