New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel shared that defensive coordinator Terrell Williams will travel with the team to Santa Clara for the Super Bowl.
As Williams undergoes treatment for prostate cancer, he has stayed around the team this season when possible.
“He’s doing good,” Vrabel said. “He’s excited about traveling with us, I appreciate you asking. Doing well, so we’re excited about having him.”
Having Williams make the trip was welcoming news for those on the roster — even those on offense
who did not directly work with the defensive coordinator.
“Another road warrior. We’ve got a lot of love and respect for Coach T and his strength,” wide receiver Stefon Diggs said. “It’s admirable. Everything that he’s been through. Even when we see him around the building, everybody is smiling. Everybody is hollering at him.
“There’s definitely moments he’s shared with everybody. But that’s another road warriors for you guys.”
In Williams’ absence, linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has taken over play calling duties. Behind dialing up their blitz and man coverage rates over the last three weeks, Kuhr and the defensive staff has helped led the Patriots defense to the Super Bowl as they are allowing less than 9.0 points allowed per game.
“The defensive staff does a really good job of collaborating, and there’s a really good flow and a connection in there about bringing everybody’s ideas together, but also helping Zak when we go in and we talk about the game plan, the things that we want to do and the ideas,” Vrabel said.
“The guys all are comfortable sharing those ideas, and I think that that’s been real positive and has helped Zak. But Zak’s done a fantastic job, I’ve said that numerous times, and I know that he’s going to be prepared to help us win.”
