Early Life & Where He’s From

Mike Vrabel was born on August 14, 1975, in Akron, Ohio, USA. He attended Walsh Jesuit High School in nearby Cuyahoga Falls, where he began to shine as a football player.
For college, Vrabel played at Ohio State University from 1993–1996.
As for where he lives now — while publicly available sources typically mention his birthplace and career locales, there is no confirmed recent public record updating his exact residential address. Given his role as head coach of the New England Patriots (from 2025), he likely spends substantial time in the New England region (Massachusetts/New England area, USA). If you want, I can check recent interviews and public filings to see if a current residence has been disclosed.
College Career — Foundation of Greatness
At Ohio State, Vrabel made waves as a defensive standout:
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He played defensive end from 1993 to 1996.
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In 1995 and 1996, he was named First-team All-Big Ten; in 1996 he also earned Consensus All-American honors.
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He earned the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year award twice (1995, 1996) — a rare achievement.
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He ended his college career with significant school records, including career sacks and tackles for loss.
This strong college performance paved the way for his NFL career and eventual Hall-of-Fame-worthy legacy among fans.
NFL Playing Career
Draft & Early Years
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Vrabel was selected in the third round (91st overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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He spent four seasons (1997–2000) with the Steelers, mostly as a reserve linebacker and special teams contributor.
Rise to Stardom — New England Patriots Era
In 2001, Vrabel signed as a free agent with the New England Patriots.
With the Patriots from 2001–2008:
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He became a key defensive contributor, helping anchor the Patriots’ defense during a dynasty era.
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Despite being a linebacker, his athleticism and versatility allowed occasional plays on offense — as a tight end eligible receiver.
Final Years — Kansas City Chiefs
After his time with New England, Vrabel finished his career with the Kansas City Chiefs (2009–2010).
Across his NFL playing career (1997–2010), he played in 206 games.
Career Stats & Touchdowns
Vrabel’s career statistical summary — defense and rare offensive work — is impressive:
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Sacks: 57.0 over his career.
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Total tackles: On record as 722 tackles per his Patriots-era bio summary (solo and assists combined)
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Interceptions: 11 interceptions.
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Forced fumbles: 20 forced fumbles.
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Fumble recoveries: 9 recoveries.
Touchdowns (Offense + Defense)
What makes Vrabel unique — despite being a linebacker, he found the endzone:
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He recorded 10 career receptions (on just 14 targets). All of those receptions resulted in touchdowns.
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He also scored in both the Super Bowl XXXVIII and Super Bowl XXXIX — rare for a defensive player.
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According to official tallies: 11 total touchdowns over his career (this includes offensive receptions + any defensive or special teams scores).
This dual-threat ability (defense + scoring) solidified Vrabel’s legacy as one of the most versatile players of his generation.
Legacy & Coaching Career
After retiring following the 2010 season, Vrabel quickly moved into coaching.
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He began at Ohio State — first as linebackers coach in 2011, then as defensive line coach (2012–2013).
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In 2014, he entered the NFL coaching ranks with the Houston Texans as linebackers coach; by 2017, he was their defensive coordinator.
Head Coach: Tennessee Titans
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In 2018, Vrabel became head coach of the Tennessee Titans.
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Over six seasons (2018–2023), he compiled a 54-45 regular season record.
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He led the Titans to three consecutive playoff appearances, two straight division titles, and a trip to the AFC Championship Game (2019) — their first since 2002.
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For his work, he was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2021.
Return to New England — Patriots Head Coach
In 2025, Vrabel returned to the team that made him famous, becoming head coach of the New England Patriots.
This return marks a full-circle moment: from Patriots linebacker and Super Bowl champion to leading the franchise as head coach.
FAQs
Q: When and where was Mike Vrabel born?
A: Mike Vrabel was born on August 14, 1975 in Akron, Ohio, USA.
Q: Which teams did Vrabel play for in his NFL career?
A: He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers (1997–2000), New England Patriots (2001–2008), and Kansas City Chiefs (2009–2010).
Q: How many total touchdowns did Mike Vrabel score in his NFL career?
A: He scored 11 total touchdowns.
Q: How many sacks did Vrabel accumulate in his career?
A: He recorded 57.0 sacks in his NFL career.
Q: What is Vrabel’s current role?
A: As of 2025, Mike Vrabel is the head coach of the New England Patriots.
Q: Did Mike Vrabel win any Super Bowls as a player?
A: Yes — he won three Super Bowls (Super Bowl XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) while with the Patriots.
Why Mike Vrabel Matters — Legacy & Impact
Mike Vrabel stands out in NFL history for multiple reasons:
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Versatility: As a linebacker who scored multiple touchdowns — including Super Bowl scores — he broke conventional positional boundaries.
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Durability & Consistency: 206 NFL games over 14 seasons, with substantial numbers in sacks, tackles, interceptions and forced fumbles.
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Championship Pedigree: Integral part of a Patriots dynasty, winning three Super Bowls.
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Transition to Coaching: After retirement, quickly ascended the coaching ranks, culminating in a head-coach role — first with the Titans, now back with the Patriots.
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Leadership & Culture: Known for bringing a no-nonsense, hard-work-driven mindset — both as a player and coach — making him a respected figure among players and peers.
For fans and analysts alike, Vrabel represents an ideal blend: an elite player who understood the game deeply, then translated that understanding into coaching, mentoring, and leadership.
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