Mike Vrabel has quickly become one of the most talked-about coaches in the NFL, having revitalized the New England Patriots in remarkable fashion. Yet, not everyone was on board from the beginning.
A.J. Brown, who played under Vrabel during his time with the Tennessee Titans, recently shared his initial skepticism about the coach during his rookie year in 2019.
Reflecting on those early days, Brown, now a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, didn't shy away from discussing his past feelings. "I used to jot down in my notebook that I didn't really like Vrabel," Brown revealed on the "Dudes On Dudes" podcast.
"I admit that, and he knows it. I would write 'I hate Vrabel' just to make it look like I was taking notes."
Brown explained that Vrabel's tough coaching style was hard for him to grasp as a rookie. "He was so hard on me, and I didn't understand it at the time," Brown said.
"I even told Vrabel, 'I'm humble already. You don't need to humble me.'
But he was pushing me to become better."
Despite the initial friction, Brown's perspective on Vrabel evolved significantly. The wide receiver came to appreciate the effectiveness of Vrabel's approach.
"He holds every single player accountable, from top to bottom," Brown noted. "That's who he is, and it unites the team because nobody's above the program.
You have to respect it. I'm thrilled for him; he truly deserves this opportunity."
Brown, who signed a contract with Philadelphia that runs through 2030, has been a subject of trade rumors this offseason, with New England mentioned as a potential destination. But for now, his focus remains on the field, where his journey with Vrabel has clearly left a lasting impact.