FOXBOROUGH – Austin Hooper was experienced.

By the time he joined the Tennessee Titans, in 2022, he had played in the NFL for six seasons with two different franchises. The tight end also played for two different head coaches – Dan Quinn and Kevin Stefanski.

Both had their own style, but when Hooper joined the Titans, there was a bigger learning curve when it came to being coached by Mike Vrabel.

The veteran admitted it was a tough transition as Vrabel is a demanding coach who isn’t shy about what he wants. After settling in, Hooper learned some valuable lessons from Vrabel that carries with him today.

That’ll come in handy as Hooper reunited with Vrabel this offseason in New England.

“It was different the first time. I’m not speaking outside the family here – a very strong personality, a guy who’s played before, a guy who taught me a lot, and at first, it was a tougher transition,” Hooper said. “Like any good boss… it was my first time being around a head coach in that style. By the way, please don’t take that the wrong way. You should like your boss to demand a lot of you. So, it was the first time being with a defensive-style head coach.

“So there was a little transition… the guys I worked for in the past were generally offensive guys to kind of typecast style of coaches – offensive guys are typically more mellowed out. Defensive guys, you have to bring the energy and galvanize the group. There was more energy. That was my first time getting that experience. Of course, there was a little transition period of how your new boss wants things done. Once you understand of how to operate, he taught me a lot. I kept those lessons with me.”

That year with Vrabel, Hooper caught 41 passes for 444 yards with two touchdowns. He led the next season and played for Josh McDaniels, his new offensive coordinator, in Las Vegas. Last season, marked his first in New England and Hooper put together his most productive season since his 2019 Pro Bowl campaign.

Last year, Hooper finished with 45 receptions, 476 yards and three touchdowns. The 30-year-old finished third on the team in receptions, fourth in receiving yards, and tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns.

After Jerod Mayo was fired, the Patriots went through wholesale changes on their roster. One of two veteran players to re-sign with the Patriots, Hooper said it was an easy decision.

“I mean a tremendous group of teammates. Playing with a young talented guy like Drake. It’d be a lie if I didn’t say that was a big part of the equation,” Hooper said. “Also sharing a tight room with Hunter Henry, a guy who was in the same draft class as me. A guy with a very good working relationship together. Once the organization gave me the opportunity, it was pretty simple.”

Hooper said the start of the Patriots offseason workout program is off to a good start. He added that Vrabel has sent “a very strong message” on what players need to do on and off the field.

Vrabel’s approach might be different for some veteran players, but after experiencing his teachings in 2022, Hooper is more than prepared this time around.

“The mentality and style which he demands from his employees. 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.”