Veteran tight end Austin Hooper brings more than just experience to the New England Patriots: he brings firsthand insight into the mindset of their new head coach, Mike Vrabel.
As Hooper enters his 10th NFL season, he’s uniquely positioned to help teammates adjust to Vrabel’s demanding leadership. The two first crossed paths in 2022 during Hooper’s stint with the Tennessee Titans and the transition wasn’t easy.
“It was different the first time,” Hooper admitted. “I’m not speaking outside the family here: a very strong personality, a guy who’s played before [and] a guy who taught me a lot. And at first, it was a tougher transition.”
Prior to joining Vrabel’s Titans squad, Hooper had played under Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland and Dan Quinn in Atlanta. Both coaches with offensive backgrounds. Vrabel, a former linebacker and defensive-minded head coach, brought a completely different tone and intensity.
“You should like your boss to demand a lot of you,” Hooper noted. “It was the first time being with a defensive-style head coach. So there was a little transition.”
Despite the initial adjustment, Hooper clearly respects Vrabel’s leadership style. Calling it structured and goal-oriented.
“Like any good boss, he’s going to clearly define what his employees need to do,” Hooper said. “If you want to come along this journey, this is what’s expected. It’s something I carry with me.”
Vrabel’s success in Tennessee speaks for itself. Over six seasons he compiled a 54-45 record, led the Titans to three playoff appearances and reached the AFC Championship Game in 2019. All without a consistently stacked roster.
As the Patriots enter a new era following the dismissal of head coach Jerod Mayo after just one season, they’ve undergone a dramatic roster overhaul. Longtime veterans like long snapper Joe Cardona, center David Andrews, defensive end Deatrich Wise and cornerback Jonathan Jones have all moved on.
Leaving the 2020 draft class as the team’s most senior remaining players.
In the midst of all this change Hooper’s experience and perspective could prove invaluable, both on the field and in the locker room, as the Patriots adjust to the Vrabel way.
