As expected (and as first suggested last week by John Taylor of CFT), long-time NFL linebacker Mike Vrabel has retired from playing football -- and he has simultaneously commenced his football coaching career.
Vrabel announced his dual moves in a statement released by his agent, Neil Cornrich.
“After 14 years in the National Football League, I have decided to retire and accept the position of Linebackers Coach at The Ohio State University,” Vrabel said.
“I am extremely appreciative of the teammates, coaches, and great fans who surrounded me during my NFL career, and am honored to have been a part of three tremendous organizations in the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, and Kansas City Chiefs. I am especially grateful to Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli, who not only gave me the opportunity to play for a team that won three Super Bowl championships and an NFL record 21 games in a row, but also taught me invaluable lessons on creating the ultimate team approach.
“I am very excited to become a part of Luke Fickell’s staff at Ohio State. I have great faith and trust in Luke leading the Buckeye football team as he represents all the core values integral for a program’s success, and I am looking forward to working with our student-athletes as I begin the next phase of my career.”
A 14-year veteran, Vrabel played four season with the Steelers, eight with the Patriots, and two with the Chiefs. He caught 10 touchdown passes, all from two yards in or less, while playing tight end in goal-line offensive situations.
