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Prior to his coaching career, Mike Vrabel was renowned as one of the most physical linebackers in the NFL.
Vrabel was recently appointed as the head coach of the New England Patriots, reuniting with the team where he spent eight seasons.
Vrabel is currently leading the Patriots through training camp, and although fights are not uncommon during this intense period, coaches typically do not get involved.
Vrabel chose to go against the norm.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel leaves the practice fields after minicamp at Gillette Stadium. (Eric Canha/Imagn Images)
During a joint practice between the Patriots and Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium, a hard tackle by rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson sparked a scuffle.
Vrabel intervened by jumping into the altercation himself in an attempt to diffuse the situation. As a result, he emerged with a bloody face, as reported by the Boston Herald.
Quarterback Drake Maye praised his coach’s determination.
Mike Vrabel, head coach of the New England Patriots, directs his players during training camp at Gillette Stadium July 28, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
“That’s the kind of mentality we’re trying to instill, and it all starts with the head coach – bringing intensity every day, not backing down on the field,” Maye stated. “I appreciate that mentality.”
Vrabel was later seen with an ice pack on his face.
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots gets involved in practice as quarterback Drake Maye (10) fakes a handoff to Trayveon Williams (49) during training camp at Gillette Stadium July 29, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
“Pass protection is physical. It’s a tough game. Incidents happen on the field,” Maye explained. “We want to play with intensity when the whistle blows and give our all, but also know when to stop.”
Maye likened Vrabel’s actions to a past incident at a political rally, describing it as reminiscent of an assassination attempt at one of President Donald Trump’s rallies.
Patriots tight end Hunter Henry suggested that Vrabel’s physical nature still shines through despite no longer being a player.
The scuffle did not lead to any player ejections from practice.
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