Michael George Vrabel (born August 14, 1975 in Akron, Ohio) is an American football player. He has been a linebacker for the NFL's New England Patriots since 2001, after spending four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He recently extended his contract with the Patriots through 2007.
He played college football at Ohio State University (where he hopes to coach after his playing career is over).
On situations where the Patriots offense need one or two yards for a first down, Vrabel frequently checks in as a tight end, which makes him an eligible receiver. Patriots coach Bill Belichick took advantage of this in Super Bowl XXXVIII: in the fourth quarter, Tom Brady threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Vrabel, making Vrabel the first defensive player to score a touchdown on offense since William "Refrigerator" Perry did so for the Bears against the Patriots in Super Bowl XX in 1986.
Despite Brady's penchant for throwing to Vrabel in such situations, teams are often unable to cover Vrabel properly: in Super Bowl XXXIX, Vrabel caught a 2-yard touchdown pass, despite being held by Philadelphia's Jevon Kearse. The reception makes him one of 17 players to catch two or more touchdown passes in Super Bowls.
As of February 2005, Vrabel has had five career receptions, all with the Patriots, all for one or two yards, and all for touchdowns.
External link
