Mike Vrabel's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Mike Vrabel.

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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1982: Official Recording of Sacks Began

In 1982, the official recording of sacks began in professional football.

1995: Named Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year

In 1995, Vrabel was named the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year.

1996: Named Consensus First-Team All-American

In 1996, as a senior, Vrabel was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American.

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.

2000: Named to Ohio State Football All-Century Team

In 2000, Vrabel was named to the Ohio State Football All-Century Team, recognizing his contributions to the university's football program.

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 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.

December 2007: Selected to Start at Pro Bowl

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

January 2008: Named to NFL All-Pro Team

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

2012: Inducted into Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame

In 2012, Vrabel was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy at the university.

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.

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.