Former Patriots Star Mike Vrabel Retires

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Monday, July 11, 2011

Jake Costello, GoLocalProv News Contributor

Former All-Pro linebacker Mike Vrabel has retired after 14 seasons in the NFL and will take a job as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Ohio State University.

Vrabel, who won three Super Bowl rings while playing with the New England Patriots, calls it quits after two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. He praised his former head coach, Bill Belichick, for helping him develop as a player.

"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,” Vrabel said.

Vrabel was a two-time All-American while playing for the Buckeyes from 1993-96. Now he rejoins a team embroiled in turmoil. Former head coach Jim Tressel resigned in May following a scandal that involved Ohio State players trading memorabilia for tattoos, a major violation of NCAA rules.

Vrabel said he is looking forward to working with a new head coach.

"I am very excited to become a part of Luke Fickell's staff at Ohio State,” he said. “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.”

Photo Credit: Boston.com