Patriots Coach Bill Belichick On Retired LB Mike Vrabel

Former Kansas City Chiefs LB Mike Vrabel made it official on Monday morning announcing his retirement and decision to join the Ohio State football program as linebackers coach. The decision isn't a complete surprise as Vrabel has talked in the past of wanting to join the Ohio State program in some capacity.

In the release from Ohio State announcing the move, Vrabel's former coach, New England Patriots' Bill Belichick, is quoted with some high praise for the 14-year veteran.

"During his Patriots career, there was no player more respected for his football intellect and revered for his leadership by his teammates than Mike," Belichick said. "He was elected a team captain by his peers and is a player who I think everyone knew was destined to become a coach after his NFL playing career was over.

"Mike Vrabel is as well-suited for coaching as any player I have ever coached. He has a tremendous feel for people, players, coaches and what his team needs regardless of the situation. He is outstanding in his knowledge of the game, which contributed to his excellence as a player. I have no doubt Mike will develop tough, intelligent, fundamentally sound winners."

Sounds sort of what Belichick said about LB Tedy Bruschi when he retired. You know Vrabel was a key member of those Super Bowl teams and, even when he left a franchise like New England and came to one without a recent history of winning, he was still a professional and provided plenty of positives despite being on the downside of his career.