Mike Vrabel has seemingly pushed all the right buttons in his first year as Patriots head coach.
Among them has been Vrabel’s ability to connect with every player in the building to help foster a tight-knit locker room — a foundation that has played a significant role in New England’s run to the Super Bowl. Players consistently point to Vrabel’s authenticity and shared experiences as a key reason the message resonates.
“I think he does a great job of kind of relating to us, being able to talk as a player
and now as a coach of his experiences of winning Super Bowls, the experience of making the playoffs his first year with the Steelers and not making it for four years. Just being able to kind of hit home at spots or moments this season that we can relate back to,” quarterback Drake Maye said.
“I remember we talked about it at the beginning of the season, talking about our stories and what hopes we had. Our hopes were to win the big game and win the Super Bowl, and look where we’re at now. All those hopes are coming to a reality.”
As the Patriots have now reached the big game and preparation begins, Vrabel has continued to remind his players not just of what’s at stake, but of how rare and special the moment truly is.
“One of the coolest things I thought I heard this morning from him, him just relaying that to us and knowing what we dreamed of even as a little kid, back when you wanted to watch the Super Bowl at a Super Bowl party, and now we’re the party,” Maye said. “So, that’s a pretty cool aspect, and I think Coach does a great job of relating to us and relaying a message that hits home for all of us.”
The Patriots will now take center stage against the Seattle Seahawks, with the Lombardi Trophy on the line. And while the magnitude of the moment is obvious, Vrabel isn’t concerned with manufacturing motivation for a group that has belief and trust in the work they’ve put in all season.
“I don’t know that players need to be motivated, I think they’re motivated. I hope it’s to win a championship, a Super Bowl,” Vrabel said. “If it’s money, that’s fine, it’s professional football. Date the cheerleader, whatever motivates them. I mean, as high school players – whatever motivates you.
“We’re trying to inspire them, and give them confidence and trust in doing their job. So, I used to think I needed to motivate them; I try to inspire them to do their job with confidence.”
