Hooper, who entered the league with Dan Quinn in Atlanta and previously played under Kevin Stefanski for two years in Cleveland and for Las Vegas in 2023 before landing in Tennessee, said Vrabel’s energy is simply different than many other coaches.
The Patriots’ new coach has proven his approach works. In six years in Tennessee, he compiled a 54-45 record — despite not having a stocked roster at times. The Titans made three playoff appearances and went to the AFC Championship Game in 2019.
“Like any good boss, he’s going to clearly define what his employees need to do,” Hooper said of Vrabel. “If you want to come along this journey, this is what’s expected. It’s something I carry with me.”
After firing former Bill Belichick assistant Jerod Mayo after one year, the Patriots have overhauled the roster this offseason with potentially a dozen or so new starters. The recent release of long snapper Joe Cardona, along with the previous parting with center David Andrews and defensive end Deatrich Wise, and cornerback Jonathan Jones leaving in free agency, means the longest-tenured Patriots were acquired in 2020.