The New England Patriots’ postgame locker room was filled with emotion on Sunday as rookie quarterback Drake Maye surprised head coach Mike Vrabel with the game ball following a dominant win over the Tennessee Titans the team Vrabel once led to an AFC Championship. [Video link (the original post has since been deleted/private)].
Patriots’ Drake Maye Gives Special Gift to Mike Vrabel After Win
New England Patriots, Drake Maye
Oct 5, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) walks off the field against the Buffalo Bills after the game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Vrabel brought his new Patriots back to the stadium where he once coached, just six days after the 1-6 Titans fired head coach Brian Callahan. It was a memorable game thanks to his players.
During his tenure with the Titans, Vrabel won NFL Coach of the Year and guided the team to consistent postseason trips. He downplayed the game’s emotional significance in public.. But his players clearly understood what this matchup meant.
The Patriots’ offense hummed with rhythm and balance, and their defense never allowed Tennessee to find any momentum. But the defining moment came after the game. As Vrabel addressed his team in the locker room, praising their effort and reminding them that “there’s so much better football to be played,”Maye interrupted this time to honor his coach.
Handing over the game ball,Maye told Vrabel:
“We love playing for you. We’re glad you’re our coach; we love you, coach.”
It was a rare moment of connection in Patriots locker room that has seen its fair share of change since the end of the Belichick era. Vrabel smiled, visibly moved, as the team rallied around him.
The clip quickly went viral drawing widespread praise from fans and analysts.
One fanwrote,“He is to the Pats what Dan Campbell is to the Lions,” comparing Vrabel’s leadership to Detroit’s culture-changing head coach.
Another added,“This is what it is all about. You know you have something special when your team rallies around you as a coach!”
Patriots supporters are already sensing something bigger brewing in Foxborough.
“This right here. This is real. Patriots will make a deep run this year and are back to being contenders for Super Bowls,”postedone user, while another called it“a touching gesture showing the strong bond between the players and the coach.”
Even rival fans tooknotice. “Imagine being a fan base this spoiled,” one remarked, acknowledging New England’s resurgence under Vrabel.
With Maye’s composure and Vrabel’s leadership, the Patriots appear to be building something sustainable and emotional moments like this one suggest that unity, not just talent, could define New England’s next great chapter.