Sometimes, the spirit of a former player becomes evident in New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. This was certainly observed on Wednesday during a joint training camp practice session between the Patriots and the Washington Commanders.
Vrabel intervened to defuse a minor altercation between Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson and a Commanders defensive player, according to Zack Cox of the Boston Herald. Cox reported that the incident stemmed from Henderson’s aggressive pass blocking during an 11-on-11 drill.
As he frequently demonstrated as a Patriots linebacker in the 2000s, Vrabel inserted himself into the mix — on this occasion, seemingly to separate opposing players and avert a full-blown confrontation, as reported by the Herald.
Vrabel got involved in the action, resulting in a visible mark on his face. According to the Herald, as Vrabel intervened, rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell also became involved, attempting to support Henderson, but reportedly making incidental contact with Vrabel.
The 49-year-old coach emerged from the brief fracas with a scratch on his cheek. He was subsequently observed applying ice to the right side of his face.
“I asked Coach, ‘What happened to you, man?’” Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas mentioned to reporters after practice, according to the Herald. “He responded, ‘You should see the other guy.’”
Patriots second-year quarterback Drake Maye — for whom Henderson was providing pass protection on the play — mentioned that Vrabel jokingly remarked that the team would review the incident on film.
“Pass protection involves physicality,” Maye commented, when questioned about the incident, according to ESPN. “It’s an inherently physical game. Situations arise out there. … There’s a point where you definitely don’t want to engage in fighting and create problems. Simultaneously, you don’t want to back down from anyone. I’m confident Coach will emphasize the importance of avoiding such incidents, but, subconsciously, that’s the desired approach — the intensity, playing with maximum effort when the play is live, and disengaging immediately when the play concludes.”
Vrabel achieved three Super Bowl victories with the Patriots during the initial phase of their dynasty in the early 21st century. He exhibited a level of determination that he has maintained as a head coach in the league, initially with the Tennessee Titans and now back in New England.
“He’s fully engaged with us,” Patriots tight end Hunter Henry stated after practice, according to the Herald. “I believe the player mentality resurfaces in him occasionally. It’s admirable to have a coach who values competition and possesses competitive drive akin to our own.”
