The New England Patriots are heading back to the Super Bowl - and their run to this point has earned the admiration of some of Boston’s biggest names in sports, including Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla.
Speaking before the Celtics’ game against the Trail Blazers on Monday night, Mazzulla took a moment to tip his cap to Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. With New England fresh off a win over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game, Mazzulla highlighted what’s made Vrabel’s squad so impressive this season.
“They’re a team that’s developed an identity over the course of the season,” Mazzulla said. “Every coach, regardless of the sport, is looking for that - creating that type of identity and consistency, and playing to that throughout an entire season. I think they’re a great example of that this year.”
And he’s right. After a rocky 1-2 start, the Patriots found their groove and never looked back.
Since late September, they’ve dropped just one game, finishing the regular season at 14-3 before rolling through the postseason with wins over the Chargers, Texans, and Broncos. That kind of turnaround doesn’t just happen - it’s built on culture, discipline, and belief.
And it’s clear Vrabel has instilled all three.
The two coaches have built a respectful relationship over the past year. When Vrabel was hired, Mazzulla invited him to a Celtics practice at the Auerbach Center. Later that summer, Mazzulla returned the favor by attending a Patriots training camp session - something he’s done regularly, even under previous coaches like Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo.
“Joe is fantastic,” Vrabel said. “I appreciate him, just from the time I got here, reaching out.
We probably have different personalities, and I think that that’s probably the thing I appreciate the most about him. He’s always trying to learn and gain knowledge different ways - about building a team, about strategy, about scheme, about inspiring players to do their job well.
So I always love my conversations with him.”
There’s a mutual respect there - two coaches at the helm of iconic Boston franchises, both chasing excellence in their own ways. And when Mazzulla talks about “identity,” it’s not just a buzzword.
This Patriots team has leaned into a gritty, road-tested mentality. Their 9-0 record away from Gillette Stadium this season?
Best road mark in NFL history. That’s not just impressive - it’s historic.
The Patriots’ success was felt all the way to TD Garden on Monday night. Team owner Robert Kraft was in attendance and got a thunderous ovation from the Boston crowd. Celtics owner Bill Chisholm also drew cheers when he popped up on the Jumbotron wearing a shirt that read “I ❤️ Drake Maye” - with the heart swapped out for a shamrock, of course.
Now, the Patriots turn their focus to Super Bowl LX, where they’ll square off against the NFC champion Seattle Seahawks on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. It’s a heavyweight matchup, and if New England’s identity continues to shine through, they’ll be a tough out for anyone.