11/21/24
March 07, 2009
It's tough to replace class: Mike Vrabel gives his first interview as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Belichick on Vrabel: "When Mike arrived in 2001, we knew we were adding a solid outside linebacker. But where Mike took it from there exceeded our highest hopes. Mike Vrabel epitomizes everything a coach could seek in a professional football player: toughness, intelligence, playmaking, leadership, versatility and consistency at the highest level. Behind the scenes, Mike's wit and personality is one of the things we have all enjoyed about coming to work every day. The toughest aspect of my job is the day I stop coaching people like Mike, who did everything in his power to contribute to team success. Of all the players I have coached in my career, there is nobody I enjoyed working with more than Mike. In the same way people recognize guys like Troy Brown, we appreciate and thank Mike Vrabel. He is one of the very special Patriots champions."
posted by gfinsf at 11:35 AM on March 07, 2009
Impressive deal for KC. Cassell may not have been the greatest, but he did enough for NE. Which is Ten times better than what KC had in '08! Not to mention he throw for 3700 yards.
Even with that, the deal maker here has still got to be Vrabel, period, trade accepted! What Vrabel can teach a team has got to amazing! I had to do a double take after reading the quotes made by Vrabel. While he doesn't sound happy to be gone from NE, he still never trash talked anyone or either team. Then promises to give his all on the field and in the locker room too. Not something we have the pleasure to see now days. Hats off to MV.
posted by jojomfd1 at 07:23 AM on March 08, 2009
"People ask me why I don't have jerseys up, why I don't have my rings out in my house, and this is a perfect example why, because one day you could go from being a three-time Super Bowl champ to being a member of the Chiefs."
I don't get how that's classy.
posted by tselson at 12:15 AM on March 09, 2009
tselson,
Yeah, maybe you're right about that. Probably a brief fall into his frustration at being traded, which honestly i don't blame him for.
posted by brainofdtrain at 12:04 PM on March 09, 2009
Awesome. KC is lucky to have him whether he has much in the tank or not. He will teach that very young team about class and other crucial intangibles necessary to be successful in the NFL.