Mike Vrabel grateful for opportunity to be coaching Patriots in Super Bowl just 2 years after firing
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is met with the media on Tuesday as the team has a day off before three straight days of practice sessions ahead of Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks. Vrabel provided a brief health update on quarterback Drake Maye, and said he feels grateful for the opportunity to be coaching for a championship just two years after being fired.
Vrabel's press conference took place at the Marriott in Santa Clara, California. The Super Bowl is being played Sunday night at nearby Levi's Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers.
A group of Patriots players is also meeting with reporters today.
The players being made available are Kayshon Boutte, Will Campbell, K'Lavon Chaisson, DeMario Douglas, Christian Elliss, Jaylinn Hawkins, TreVeyon Henderson, Khyiris Tonga, Jared Wilson and Craig Woodson.
Vrabel also gave his support for owner Robert Kraft, who was reportedly snubbed for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
"I would just say that that's unfortunate. I would say that in my experiences with Robert, he's more than deserving and he'll be in the Hall of Fame. I'm not in charge of when that happens," Vrabel said.
"Grateful for the opportunity"
A reporter asked Vrabel if he feels redemption being in the Super Bowl two years after being fired by the Tennessee Titans.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity. Whether it's a player that gets released and then picked up by another team, or a coach that somebody moves on from or fires, I think you just are grateful for the opportunity that you have the next time and you try to do everything you can to not let that happen," Vrabel said.
Vrabel, coaches and players all spent Monday night fielding questions during Super Bowl Opening Night.
The Patriots will hold practices on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Stanford University. There will be one pool reporter present who is responsible for sharing information about the practices with all media outlets.
Drake Maye shoulder injury
Maye was limited last week with a shoulder injury while the team was home in Massachusetts. He missed practice on Friday with the shoulder ailment and also an illness.
The Patriots held a closed practice on Monday in California. Maye told reporters during Opening Night that he was able to throw and felt good.
"I think he spoke for himself on how he feels. I can't determine how he feels. I know that practice yesterday was good for him and for everybody to get out there and get moving around," Vrabel said. "We appreciate everyone at Stanford for providing the facility we have. I think we got the week off to a great start."
The Patriots shared a photo and video of the quarterback on the field to their social media accounts. Vrabel has also previously expressed confidence that Maye will be ready to go when kickoff comes on Sunday.
Terrell Williams cancer-free
Vrabel also confirmed that defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, who was forced to step away from the team early in the season for prostate cancer treatment, is now cancer-free.
Williams was able to travel with the team for the Super Bowl. He was at Opening Night on Monday.
"He is cancer-free. He was able to come in and be a part of things we were doing late in the season based on how he was feeling," Vrabel said. "So it was great to have him around based on his health and what he felt. Certainly great to have him out here this week. I would say that he has a reach to all three phases and the players on our team through our staff. Glad that he could be out here to enjoy this and also help us prepare."