Vrabel on Returning to Chiefs: 'If they want me back, I'd love to be back'
by Joel Thorman on Dec 11, 2009 8:00 AM CST
in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Campaign
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PrintKansas City Chiefs linebacker Mike Vrabel is entering the final year of his contract. Being in Kansas City not by choice, but by trade, quite a few folks presumed he would be one and done in the barbecue capital of the world.
Well, that may not be the case.
Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs brass will likely try to retain Vrabel's services beyond 2009. Surprisingly (to me at least), Vrabel entertained the idea of returning to the Chiefs after his contract expires.
"If they want me back, I'd love to come back," Vrabel told the Star. "I don't feel bad physically. I did have that knee injury earlier in the year, but otherwise I feel good."
Vrabel injured his knee in the third quarter of a game against the Oakland Raiders on November 15th. He missed the next two games despite reports that said he could be out for up to five weeks.
The Chiefs acquired Vrabel not only because of his physical skills but also because of the intangibles he brings. That's been demonstrated in the way he works with Andy Studebaker, a second year pro. That's also been shown in his consistency, something that recently got him named to the All-Fundamentals team.
"Every year, I try to be that guy," Vrabel said. "That's how I've tried to define myself as a player. I'm going to play consistently, not make a bunch of mistakes, give the same kind of effort every time I play." It's things like this that landed him on Peter King's All-Decade team. And the following words are why all of a sudden a return to the Chiefs isn't so unlikely.
"I'd like to be able to see this thing through."
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I really hope he stays on. His leadership is invaluable. Just his experience alone
makes him crucial. And we will NOT have a top 10 defense next year anyway unless they pull a rabbit out of a hat. So he should stay. IMO Plus he looks good in Kool Aid red doesn’t he? LOL MWWWaaahhhaaaa!! Take that Porkchop (-:
by krayfish on Dec 11, 2009 8:06 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
+1
Vrabel may be getting older, but his leadership is worth everything. Just for example, look at how he has helped Andy Studebaker. I would love to have more guys on the Chiefs who can teach our young guys like Vrabel through example and leadership.
What do you mean?
I’m not sure it say a whole lot about Haley but more about Vrabel.
by Joel Thorman on Dec 11, 2009 8:10 AM CST up reply actions
It says a lot about Haley!
Here is a vet guy who can probably go where he likes at the end of the season. His play is still decent and he has a ton of championship experience. There will be plenty of contenders with LB issues that would be interested in bringing him in. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Pats wanted to bring him back at a lower rate given all their defensive woes this season.
What does it say about the coach of a terrible team that he wants to return and help the program? A lot.
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
by Patrick Allen on Dec 11, 2009 8:16 AM CST up reply actions
Just like PA said...
if Haley and his coaching style was so bad to the players then why would a vet want to come back?
Not saying they might not want Haley to change a coupe of things. But this tells me that for the most part…the players that have been around the block think the direction of the team in KC might be ok.
Bewsaf
Disagree.
His comment that he would like to see this through tells me that he sees a plan and that they are on the right track. He doesn’t have much left, productivity wise, so if he didn’t see these things, I think he would be ready to bolt now. Reassuring comment to me.
nothing, yet.
we dont even know if he WILL stay. sometimes guys say the right thing when talking with the media, and vrabel is smart enough, as well as classy enough to not say anything stupid.
Just like novocaine. give it time; always works..
The greater the fall, the grander the ascention..
Nice to hear
If the status of the team is as bad as some of us here at AP seem to think it is, why would he be saying this. Could be one of two things:
1. He thinks they’re not that far away from contending.
2. He wants to get paid.
I’ll leave it up to you guys to hash that one out, but I think it’s a pretty encouraging sign.
I think...
that if we keep him they should move him to ILB, start Studabaker, Move DJ back to OLB where is plays better and put Williams at ILB aswell.
I hate this
But I think you are right. I was so hyped up when we drafted this guy and he has been average at best.
Wish this year would have made him want it more.
Oh well, he’ll probably be like fujita, mitchell, etc. and excel with a new team!
"I’d go to battle with him every day of the week." Todd Haley on Matt Cassel
This statement is why I am on the Cassel train, drinkin the Kool-Aid!
I really want him to come back but
I’m not sure that we couldn’t upgrade with a younger ILB in the draft. I wonder if we should use him more at TE and as LB coach next year.
Hey, use him as a backup or start him on running downs.
He’s not the most explosive rusher anymore, but he is one of our better tackling linebackers. Now, will that stay the same? We’ll see. But a guy like Vrabel is worth having around.
"You've only got 10 fingers to stick in the dike. Is there a breaking point that pushes you over the edge?...Where's the limit?"
-Marty Schottenheimer
by go_saleaumua on Dec 11, 2009 8:29 AM CST up reply actions
There are a bunch of ILB in the draft this year...
That are 2nd and 3rd round talent that I wouldnt mind having on the team. Micah Johnson from Kentucky being one of them.
Heck yeah keep him!
If he wants to see this thing through, then it is a plus for us. We know there will be some more backers brought in next season, more than likely young backers, maybe a vet, but who better to keep around as a leader on defense. He is a pros pro.
Good move by the Chiefs org, glad to see LJ gone.
Hali maybe, but Mays, eh.
Good move by the Chiefs org, glad to see LJ gone.
Dump this internal Snitch........
Vrabel has done nothing all year but run 2 Haley/Pioli and lied about former Chiefs. The guy is a douche and shouldnt be re-signed. Doubt if he can get a job elsewhere based on his production on the field.
by clockinoncloud09 on Dec 11, 2009 8:49 AM CST reply actions
Vrabel is a stand up guy,
I highly doubt he is an internal snitch.
Good move by the Chiefs org, glad to see LJ gone.
Bernard...
is that you?
Predictions:
Kansas City will not win more than four games in 2009
Kansas City will have a new OC and DC in 2010
Kansas City will win at least seven games in 2010
That is what I was wondering,
if it was a former Chiefs player. LJ?
Good move by the Chiefs org, glad to see LJ gone.
"clockin on cloud 9"
does sound like something LJ would come up with.
Predictions:
Kansas City will not win more than four games in 2009
Kansas City will have a new OC and DC in 2010
Kansas City will win at least seven games in 2010
Nah, he be cakn, patna!:)
Good move by the Chiefs org, glad to see LJ gone.
I don't think this is an LJ quote
Its not 2.7, not enough words spelled wrong and he didn’t use any derogatory slurs.
even if he did "snitch"
coming from him it would have to be for good reason. These guys wanna win, they have to learn to all be on the same page. a team, a family. one heartbeat…
I guarantee you vrabel wants to win, and knows what it takes at that.
Just like novocaine. give it time; always works..
The greater the fall, the grander the ascention..
Whaaaaattt???
Never seen a comment about Vrable like this before. Vrable, from all the articals I have read, seems to be the complete opposite of this comment.
So you think you are so important that no one can replace you? Put your finger in a bucket of water and pull it out. Does it leave a hole? Nope, just some ripples that eventually calm themselves!
by Fan of the Red And Gold on Dec 12, 2009 11:47 AM CST up reply actions
I agree
his play is average at best at this point.
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
by Patrick Allen on Dec 11, 2009 9:46 AM CST up reply actions
i agree but his leadership is
but his leadership is valuable enough to make him one of our last priorities.
UCrawford will eventually calm down and realize that Haley isn't a bad coach.
Will embrace the Fire Haley Bandwagon if we lose to the raiders by more then a TD...
..But we aren't going to lose.
LJ will not land in Pittsburgh
The Chiefs will not be the number one pick in this years draft
The Chiefs first pick of the draft will NOT be a OL
Thinks UCrawford just needs a hug... offer is there when you are ready UC :p
Think TG would have better numbers here?
I do, hell would there be anyone else to look to?
Good move by the Chiefs org, glad to see LJ gone.
Believe what u want...u r entitled 2
So u mean 2 tell me that Vrabel is still starting and playing b/c of his skill level….lol….no way. Just like u all have your reservations of players I have mine. I believe he is an informant for Pioli/Haley and was 1 for Belichick also. U guys shouldnt get your panties all bunched up over this, every team has an informant/s. A great cop is only as good as his informant and judging from a fans point of view Vrabel is a rat!
by clockinoncloud09 on Dec 11, 2009 9:34 AM CST reply actions
What makes you say this?
Have you been in the locker room to see it? Do you have insider info that no one else has?
Good move by the Chiefs org, glad to see LJ gone.
No, he has no proof,
he’s just another trouble maker.
You have to explain
Can’t make slanderous comments with no proof!
"I’d go to battle with him every day of the week." Todd Haley on Matt Cassel
This statement is why I am on the Cassel train, drinkin the Kool-Aid!
I love conspiracy theories but what the fuck?
Vrabel is playing because out LB’s are shwag. It’s a position we’ll likely address the position in one of the first two rounds of the draft.
I guess I'm a little dim. What is an NFL team "informant" and why is that a bad thing?
My basic understanding of the term is that it is applied to someone who tells the authorities information regarding their own peers. And more importantly, by obtaining the information, the authorities are better able to root out negative performance.
I certainly am glad the police have “informants” that turn in criminals.
I certainly am glad that Internal Affairs have “informants” to turn in criminals wearing badges.
Vrabel is a guy who is a professional and expects the same from his team-mates. That is what a this team needs! Somebody who will call out the slackers and tell them to step up or get out!
by RrustyDawg on Dec 11, 2009 9:52 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Wow. Case closed. He's convinced me.
"If you shoot me, you're liable to lose a lot of those humanitarian awards."
--Irwin M. Fletcher.
by Arrowheadcase on Dec 11, 2009 10:03 AM CST up reply actions
I'm very glad to see Vrabel wanting to come back
I hope he does.
He has played solid, and been a true leader and a class act.
Even if the Chiefs draft a guy at that position, it’d be great to have Mike back to bring em along!
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
* Stats are for losers
Let me just say this, I had a buddy I played ball wit and he played for the Pats and he told me that Vrabel,Bruschi, and an o-lineman can’ t remeber his name were Belichicks informants. Like I said u can believe whatever u like but I guess I must’ve upset a couple of u guys mancrush with Vrabel..just forget I said anything..he is a great teammate and future HOF and great leader.
by clockinoncloud09 on Dec 11, 2009 9:48 AM CST reply actions
No, you're right.
Sounds like some solid proof there
I respect your opinion...
But I haven’t heard anything like this regarding Vrabel. All the players I’ve talked to (4 of them regarding Vrabel) have said nothing but great things. I’ve never gotten this vibe in the locker room.
by Joel Thorman on Dec 11, 2009 9:53 AM CST up reply actions
I respect your opinion...
But I haven’t heard anything like this regarding Vrabel. All the players I’ve talked to (4 of them regarding Vrabel) have said nothing but great things. I’ve never gotten this vibe in the locker roo
by Joel Thorman on Dec 11, 2009 9:54 AM CST up reply actions
Also
I think key here is “played” for the Pats…past tense, meaning he doesn’t anymore. Wouldn’t be the first time an employee is bitter about a former employer.
by Joel Thorman on Dec 11, 2009 9:54 AM CST up reply actions
I'll say it
I want Him back, hell if He’s willing to come back and help the new defense why not, it’s not like we have a bunch of talent sitting on the practice squad just waiting for a chance to start.
is it me? or isn't about time the Lamar Hunt trophy belonged to His team?
This Chiefs team is closer to a new expansion team than it is a playoff contender, your expectations should match that.
by KC Fanatic on Dec 11, 2009 9:58 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Totally agree!!
Vrabel is one hell of a teamer..wish they would use him as tight end more. Come back next year Mike! Two-year deal…
Ask yourself this, why did Bruschi take that job with ESPN? B/c he brings insightful material about the NFL’s secret franchise that no1else is willing 2 discuss. Not just about football but about players Belchick has problems with or decisions that Belichick makes thru the course of the year. Remeber when Bruschi was upset on ESPN about a situation that where he felt Belichick should have came and talk 2 his players before making a decision that resulted in them losing a game. Bruschi was accustomed 2 that treameant “U give me a little ,I’llgive u alot”. Like the writings are all over the wall, sometimes u just have 2 stop and read them. Bruschis’ first day being a sports analyst and what game does he draw first….hmmmmmm………Once a rat always a rat!
by clockinoncloud09 on Dec 11, 2009 10:27 AM CST reply actions
2.7, shouldn't you be at practice?
Or doesn’t anyone care what a 4th string RB is doing?
-"A man may be a fool and not know it, but not if he is married." - H.L. Mencken
by Big Chief on Dec 11, 2009 10:42 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
This isn't 2.7
This guy sounds more like Mike Florio.
:P
Someone is watching a few movies too many.
I'm officially on the 'Draft Eric Berry' train.
Haley-Crennel 2010.
by scottbwalters on Dec 11, 2009 11:40 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Is Vrable THE Informer?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D39Lm_HRfOs
Predictions:
Kansas City will not win more than four games in 2009
Kansas City will have a new OC and DC in 2010
Kansas City will win at least seven games in 2010
by jmcgoblue on Dec 11, 2009 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
The time he's spent mentoring Studebaker is worth every dime they're paying him.
We need more guys like him.
I watched NFL network last night
Deion & Marshall Faulk referred to Vrabel & Bruschi as the po-leece after Adalius Thomas comments about Belichick’s disciplinary tactics…not that that means anything, but there are such thing as locker-room heirarchies, no reason to believe this would be any different. Not that that’s necessarily a bad thing, I think that proven veterens like Vrabel are good for the Chiefs, but they’re more like player/coaches…..they know exactly what to do, but as their on-the-field-production decreases, their role as “coach” increases, and the staff needs these kind of guys to really get a sense as to what the pulse of the team is like behind closed doors.
Could we upgrade at Vrabel's position?
Sure. Should we? Absolutely. But lets say we get a standout from the draft. There still are fundamentals to learn, and the pro level of the game to get used to. So I say keep the man, and if he’s surpassed by the person who is drafted to do the job better, well that’s the point. Until then, he’s a proven commodity and equally as proven as both
a) a leader
b) a mentor/teacher.
You don’t throw out the teacher just cuz they get old. His brain hasn’t slowed down. And his skills are still solid (hence the recent nominations to All Decade, and All Fundamentals Teams). So use what you got to help bring in and bring up the talent that will eventually replace him. But don’t get rid of him for someone who has not proven they can make it in the Pros.
by Eastcoastransplant on Dec 11, 2009 11:05 AM CST reply actions
Vrabel is a pilot
He fly’s a mean bird. who else on this team has balls to flip the bird like he did. he will show young players how to be mean on the field.
by Charles # 1 chiefs fan on Dec 11, 2009 11:30 AM CST reply actions
If he’s willing to come back as a Coach/mentor to young LBs, who is not a starter, and only plays on specials, and for depth, fine. But as a starter, he’s been horrible, and I’d hate to see him block a good young LB like Studebaker from playing.
Elaborate
I have yet to hear any expert opinion on Vrabel’s play that thinks he is a “horrible” player. I go back to Haley’s comments about hearing a reporter use the word “horrible” to describe the Chiefs play and how that was a nonexpert opinion. I’m not saying you aren’t an expert, but judging by some of your comments I think this can be inferred.
Vrabel is a good player and a solid starter in this league. Is he one of the best in the league at his position anymore? Not anymore, I wouldn’t go that far. But I think he has helped immensely in Tamba Hali’s transition to OLB and Studebaker has raved about his tutelage. What has Studebaker shown us? That he can catch a ball thrown right at him? Studebaker’s run support is the only I would call “horrible” about the play at the OLB position. Studebaker still has a LONG way to go and I would not call him “good” yet. We have much bigger needs on defense than OLB at this point — I normally hate this cop-out, but I think it is a valid one in this case.. OLB, DE, and CB1 (Flowers) are our only solid positions on that side of the ball.
Resign him, resign him, resign him!!!!
“I’d like to be able to see this thing through.”
Wow. This guy is the real deal. He’s not likely to be around when the team is good enough to contend, but he’s willing to play a major role to get this team turned around. He’s being a true leader, and that’s something that the Chiefs sorely lack. Resign him.
Everyone stop. Take a deep breath. Count backwards from 10.
Ok. Now remember that the back up QB is ALWAYS the most popular guy in town when a team is this bad. Matt will bounce back. He had one of the best TD to INT ratios for the first several weeks of the season. Chill out people.
by Red N Gold Beast on Dec 11, 2009 2:07 PM CST reply actions
I vote to keep him
At least he has done more in his in 6 or 7 games here say compared to Kendrell Bell, Carlos Hall, Napoleon Harris, Lew Bush, Glenn Cadrez… (gotta love Wikipedia for info)
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