Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mike Vrabel

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Mike Vrabel made an impact.

Mike Vrabel is a former NFL linebacker and current NFL coach. He played college football at Ohio State, earning All-American honors. As an NFL player for 14 seasons, most notably with the New England Patriots, Vrabel won three Super Bowls and was named a First-team All-Pro. He is distinguished as the only defensive player to score touchdowns in two consecutive Super Bowls. He is currently the head coach for the New England Patriots.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1993: Attended Ohio State University

In 1993, Vrabel started playing defensive end at Ohio State University, starting his collegiate football career.

1997: Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers

In 1997, Vrabel was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the NFL draft, marking the start of his professional career.

1998: 1998 NFL Season

In 1998, Mike Vrabel recorded 12 tackles and 2.5 sacks for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

1999: 1999 NFL Season

In 1999, Mike Vrabel recorded 9 tackles and two sacks for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2000: 2000 NFL Season

In 2000, Mike Vrabel recorded 15 tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2001: Joined New England Patriots

In 2001, Vrabel joined the New England Patriots as a free agent, starting a new chapter in his NFL career.

2002: Caught a Touchdown Pass

In 2002, Vrabel caught one touchdown pass.

2004: Caught Two Touchdown Passes

In 2004, Vrabel caught two touchdown passes.

2004: Super Bowl XXXVIII Touchdown

In 2004, during Super Bowl XXXVIII, Vrabel caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady, becoming the first defensive player to score a Super Bowl touchdown on offense since 1986.

December 26, 2005: Two Touchdown Catches and a Sack

On December 26, 2005, Vrabel became the first player since 1982 to have two touchdown catches and a sack in the same game.

2005: Caught Three Touchdown Passes

In 2005, Vrabel caught three touchdown passes, adding to his record as a versatile player.

2005: Moved to Inside Linebacker

In 2005, Vrabel moved to inside linebacker for the Patriots, a key shift that improved the team's defense.

2005: Super Bowl XXXIX Touchdown

In 2005, during Super Bowl XXXIX, Vrabel caught a two-yard touchdown pass, making him one of 17 players to catch two or more touchdown passes in Super Bowls.

2006: Moved Inside Again Late in the Season

Late in the 2006 season, Vrabel moved inside again after Junior Seau suffered a broken arm.

December 2007: Selected to Pro Bowl

In December 2007, Vrabel was selected to start at the Pro Bowl, recognizing his outstanding performance.

2007: Caught Two Touchdown Passes

In 2007, Vrabel caught two touchdown passes, showcasing his consistent performance as a receiver.

January 2008: Named to NFL All-Pro Team

In January 2008, Vrabel was named to the NFL All-Pro team for the 2007 season, highlighting his exceptional contributions.

2008: Titans Last AFC South Win

The 2020 AFC South win was the first since 2008.

February 27, 2009: Traded to Kansas City Chiefs

On February 27, 2009, Vrabel was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, marking the end of his tenure with the Patriots.

2009: Caught a Touchdown Pass

In 2009, Vrabel caught a touchdown pass with the Kansas City Chiefs, thrown by Matt Cassel.

2010: Caught a Touchdown Pass

In 2010, Vrabel caught a touchdown pass with the Kansas City Chiefs, thrown by Matt Cassel.

July 10, 2011: Retired from NFL

On July 10, 2011, Vrabel retired from the NFL to become the linebackers coach at Ohio State.

December 21, 2011: Joined Ohio State Coaching Staff

On December 21, 2011, Vrabel joined Urban Meyer's coaching staff at Ohio State as the defensive line coach, continuing his career in football.

January 10, 2014: Hired by Houston Texans

On January 10, 2014, Vrabel was hired by the Houston Texans as a linebackers coach, marking his return to the NFL coaching ranks.

January 2016: Declined Defensive Coordinator Job

In January 2016, Vrabel declined the San Francisco 49ers' offer for their defensive coordinator job and remained with the Houston Texans.

January 2017: Named Texans Defensive Coordinator

In January 2017, Vrabel was named the defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans, succeeding Romeo Crennel.

2017: Titans' Defense Ranking

In 2017, the Titans' defense ranked 13th in the NFL.

January 20, 2018: Hired as Titans Head Coach

On January 20, 2018, Vrabel was hired as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, starting a new phase in his coaching career.

September 16, 2018: First Career Win as Head Coach

On September 16, 2018, Vrabel secured his first career win as a head coach, leading the Titans to a 20–17 victory over the Houston Texans.

September 30, 2018: Upset Victory Over Eagles

On September 30, 2018, Vrabel led the Titans to a 26–23 overtime victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

November 11, 2018: Victory Over Bill Belichick

On November 11, 2018, Vrabel beat his former coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots in a 34–10 victory.

2019: Playoff Run

In 2019, Vrabel led the Titans to a 9-7 record, securing a playoff berth as a sixth seed and advancing to their first AFC Championship in seventeen seasons.