Mike Vrabel, the former All-Pro, was officially announced as the Texans new linebackers coach. Vrabel and Texans head coach Bill O'Brien both have roots in New England, where the linebacker won three Super Bowl rings in 2001, 2003, and 2004 and played for defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.
Vrabel has had a prolific 14-year NFL career, playing with Pittsburgh, New England, and Kansas City. In 2011 he retired from football and began his career in coaching. The Akron native returned to his alma mater, Ohio State, where he was assistant coach from 2011-2013.
After being drafted by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft, Vrabel spent four seasons as a Steeler before moving on to New England. Vrabel played linebacker and also checked in as tight end in goal-line situations under head coach Bill Belichick and Crennel.
In Super Bowl XXXIX at Reliant Stadium, Vrabel caught a 2-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady. In fact, each of Vrabel's catches made in the NFL, both regular and postseason, was a touchdown. The Pro Bowler finished his professional career with 12 receptions for 17 yards and 12 touchdowns in the regular and postseason.
On defense, Vrabel recorded 497 tackles, 57 sacks, 11 interceptions, 41 passes defensed, 20 forced fumbles, and 1 touchdown. He had 62 tackles, 8 sacks, 3 passes defensed, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries in the postseason.
In his collegiate career, Vrabel played defensive end for the Buckeyes from 1993-1996. He was named Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year for two-consecutive years, 1995 and 1996. Vrabel still holds school records for career sacks (36) and ranks third all-time in in the Big Ten in that category.
Vrabel's NFL timeline: * *
1997-2000 Pittsburgh Steelers
2001-2008 New England Patriots
2009-2010 Kansas City Chiefs
Coaching experience:
2011 Linebackers Ohio State
2012-2013 Defensive Line Ohio State
