In the NFL, part of the combine process involves interviews to evaluate whether players will fit in with the team. Building relationships, trust and football philosophy are sometimes as important as talent.
When the Tennessee Titans drafted AJ Brown in 2019, he joined a group that included current New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Vrabel was his head coach at Tennessee, and Brown had a chance to look back on their time together.
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Brown joins Guys on the Guys Podcast and opened up about his feelings for Vrabel. “I don’t like him, and I admit he knows that,” Brown said on the podcast hosted by Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski.
More: Every NFC team’s final NFL report card grades from A+ to F
As Brown recalled, Vrabel wasn’t afraid to call out his players in front of the team. “[Vrabel] He’s the kind of coach who’s going to visit you in meetings…he wants to make sure you stay focused, and he’s going to go over the keys to winning this week. You know them best by the back of your hand. “
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Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel hugs Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown (11) as the two teams prepare to face off at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, December 4, 2022, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NFL Tennessee Titans at Philadelphia Eagles
Vrabel often points to Brown’s rookie year as an example — and he doesn’t understand why. So, he talked to his head coach.
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“I told [Vrabel] Like, ‘Hey, it seems like I’m already being humble. You don’t have to humble me,” Brown said. “But I really don’t understand what he’s trying to push me to do. “
Vrabel then showed Brown why he was so harsh on him. Simple: Believe Brown is destined for greatness.
More info: Every AFC team’s final NFL report card grade from A+ to F
Vrabel pulled out tape of Brown’s touchdown and praised him. “So, I feel good about myself, right?” Brown said. Vrabel then showed similar performance to Brown.
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January 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown (11) celebrates a first down in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
“He showed me another play … where I got intercepted. He asked, ‘What’s the difference between the first play and the second play?'” Brown later recalled Vrabel telling him the difference.
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“He said, ‘You’re tired… This isn’t going to solve the problem… You showed the same mentality in the first game and you should keep doing it. This is who you are.”
More: Top 8 quarterbacks with draft-worthy grades ahead of 2026 NFL Scouting Combine
Vrabel’s receivers are clear. Brown is an outstanding talent who needs a push just like any other player. He needs to take responsibility to become great.
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February 8, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel leaves the game during halftime of Super Bowl 60 against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“It brings the team together because no one is more important than the team. No one is more important than the project, so you have to respect that,” Brown concluded.
It’s clear that even though their relationship was a bit rocky at first, Vrabel has Brown’s best interests at heart. That’s part of the reason the Patriots were so eager to hire him, leading to a trip to the Super Bowl in his first season in New England.
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