Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
Patriots veteran admits that playing for Mike Vrabel was initially tough transition
"Like any good boss, he’s going to clearly define what his employees need to do."
This is not Austin Hooper’s first rodeo when it comes to playing for Mike Vrabel.
The veteran tight end played for the Titans during the 2022 season when Vrabel was still at the helm — with the former Stanford product closing out his lone campaign in Tennessee with 41 catches, 444 yards, and two touchdowns.
Hooper was already a seasoned NFLer at the time of his arrival in Tennessee. But speaking to reporters at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, Hooper acknowledged that playing for an intense and demanding coach like Vrabel presented its fair share of growing pains.
“It was different the first time. I’m not speaking outside the family here – a very strong personality, a guy who’s played before, a guy who taught me a lot, and at first, it was a tougher transition,” Hooper said, adding: “It was my first time being around a head coach in that style.
Advertisement:
“By the way, please don’t take that the wrong way. You should like your boss to demand a lot of you. So, it was the first time being with a defensive-style head coach. So there was a little transition.”
Prior to playing for Tennessee, Hooper spent two seasons playing for Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland — who rose through the coaching ranks as an offensive coordinator in Minnesota before taking over as the Browns’ head coach.
As such, a defensive-minded coach like Vrabel carried a different approach beyond the intensity that he brought to practices.
“The guys I worked for in the past were generally offensive guys to kind of typecast style of coaches – offensive guys are typically more mellowed out,” Hooper said. “Defensive guys, you have to bring the energy and galvanize the group. There was more energy.
Advertisement:
“That was my first time getting that experience. Of course, there was a little transition period of how your new boss wants things done. Once you understand of how to operate, he taught me a lot. I kept those lessons with me.”
Hooper believes that initial adjustment to Vrabel will serve him well in 2025 in his second season with the Patriots. The 30-year-old tight end was one of the few bright spots on New England’s underwhelming offense in 2024 — reeling in 45 catches for 476 yards and three touchdowns.
“Like any good boss, he’s going to clearly define what his employees need to do,” Hooper said of Vrabel. “If you want to come along this journey, this is what’s expected. It’s something I carry with me.”
For Hooper — who decided to re-sign with New England instead of trying his luck on the free-agent market — the opportunity to further build chemistry with Drake Maye and a revamped Patriots roster made it an easy decision to return.
“I mean a tremendous group of teammates. Playing with a young talented guy like Drake. It’d be a lie if I didn’t say that was a big part of the equation,” Hooper said. “Also sharing a tight room with Hunter Henry, a guy who was in the same draft class as me.
Advertisement:
“A guy with a very good working relationship together. Once the organization gave me the opportunity, it was pretty simple.”
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com