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 head coach. He played college football at Ohio State, earning All-American honors. As an NFL player for 14 seasons, primarily with the New England Patriots, he won three Super Bowls and was named a First-team All-Pro. Known for his versatility, Vrabel scored receiving touchdowns in two consecutive Super Bowls, a rare feat for a defensive player.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1997: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers

In 1997, Vrabel was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round (91st overall) of the NFL draft.

1998: Recorded 12 Tackles and 2.5 Sacks

In 1998, Vrabel recorded 12 tackles and 2.5 sacks during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

1999: Recorded 9 Tackles and Two Sacks

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

2000: Recorded 15 Tackles, One Sack, and One Fumble Recovery

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

2001: Joined New England Patriots

In 2001, Vrabel joined the New England Patriots as a free agent and played in every game on defense, starting in 12.

2002: Caught One Touchdown

In 2002, Vrabel caught one touchdown.

2004: Caught Two Touchdowns

In 2004, Vrabel caught two touchdowns.

2004: Scored Touchdown in Super Bowl XXXVIII

In 2004, during Super Bowl XXXVIII, Tom Brady threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Vrabel, making Vrabel the first defensive player to score a Super Bowl touchdown on offense since William "Refrigerator" Perry did so for the Chicago Bears against the Patriots in 1986's Super Bowl XX. Vrabel also had two sacks.

December 26, 2005: Recorded Two Touchdown Catches and a Sack in the Same Game

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

2005: Caught Three Touchdowns

In 2005, Vrabel caught three touchdowns.

2005: Moved to Inside Linebacker Position

In 2005, Vrabel transitioned from right outside linebacker to inside linebacker due to the limited effectiveness of other players at the position.

2005: Caught Touchdown Pass in Super Bowl XXXIX

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 to inside linebacker again after Junior Seau suffered a broken arm.

December 2007: Selected to Start at Pro Bowl

In December 2007, Vrabel was selected to start at the Pro Bowl.

2007: Caught Two Touchdowns

In 2007, Vrabel caught two touchdowns.

January 2008: Named to NFL All-Pro Team

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

February 27, 2009: Traded to Kansas City Chiefs

On February 27, 2009, the Patriots traded Vrabel to the Kansas City Chiefs, along with Matt Cassel, in exchange for the Chiefs' second round pick.

2009: Caught One Touchdown

In 2009, Vrabel caught one touchdown.

2009: Traded to Kansas City Chiefs

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

2010: Became Linebackers and Defensive Line Coach at Ohio State

Following the 2010 season, Vrabel retired as a player and became the linebackers and defensive line coach at Ohio State for three seasons.

2010: Caught One Touchdown

In 2010, Vrabel caught one touchdown.

July 10, 2011: Retired to Become Linebackers Coach at Ohio State

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

December 21, 2011: Kept on as Defensive Line Coach

On December 21, 2011, Urban Meyer decided to retain Vrabel as part of his coaching staff, assigning him the role of defensive line coach at Ohio State.

January 10, 2014: Hired as Linebackers Coach by Houston Texans

On January 10, 2014, Vrabel was hired by the Houston Texans as a linebackers coach.

2014: Joined the Houston Texans as Linebackers Coach

In 2014, Vrabel began his NFL coaching career with the Houston Texans as linebackers coach.

January 2016: Declined Defensive Coordinator Job with the San Francisco 49ers

In January 2016, Vrabel declined an offer from the San Francisco 49ers for their defensive coordinator job and remained in Houston.

January 2017: Named Defensive Coordinator for Houston Texans

In January 2017, the Texans named Vrabel as their defensive coordinator.

January 20, 2018: Hired as Head Coach of Tennessee Titans

On January 20, 2018, Vrabel was hired as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans on a five-year deal.

September 16, 2018: First Career Win as Head Coach

On September 16, 2018, Vrabel secured his first career win as a head coach when the Titans beat the Houston Texans 20–17.

September 30, 2018: Led Titans to Victory over Defending Super Bowl Champions

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: Beat Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots

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

2018: Hired as Head Coach of Tennessee Titans

In 2018, Vrabel became the head coach of the Tennessee Titans.

2019: Led Titans to AFC Championship

In the 2019 season, Vrabel led the Titans to a 9-7 record and a playoff berth as a sixth seed. The Titans advanced to their first AFC Championship in seventeen seasons, but were eliminated by the Kansas City Chiefs.

2020: Won AFC South

In the 2020 season, Vrabel led the Titans to an 11-5 record and won the AFC South for the first time since 2008.

2021: Named AP Coach of the Year

In the 2021 season, Vrabel led the Titans to a 12-5 record and the #1 overall seed in the AFC. For his performance that season, he was named the AP Coach of the Year.