DC Terrell Williams Gives Health Update

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel opened his press conference on Friday by providing an update on new defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, acknowledging Williams had experienced a medical issue that would keep him away from the team for the near future.

“Terrell’s working through a medical condition,” said Vrabel. “I’ve been in constant communication with him daily. Zak Kuhr has been handling those responsibilities in Terrell’s absence, but Terrell’s eager to get back, and we’re excited to get him back.”

Williams met with the media via video conference later in the afternoon, passing along an update.

“I had a health scare, but I also want to make it clear that I’m away from the building, but I’m not away from the team, so I’m doing good,” said Williams, before stressing the importance of self-care.

“I want to talk about the seriousness of taking care of our health and loving the people you love. Because when something traumatic happens like that, and it was traumatic for me, it gave me an opportunity to reflect, and really look back at the people I care about that make a difference in my life. Also, it gave me a reminder that sometimes, as coaches, as media folks and athletes and doctors and whoever, we think we’re invincible, and you’re not, like, I’m just telling you, you’re not. And so this was a good wake up call for me, and it was a good wake up call for my close friends and people I know in the profession and around the league and and just in general.”

Williams believed the defense would be in good hands under Kuhr until he’s ready to return.

“Zak is unbelievable. Like, he’s an unbelievably smart guy,” said Williams. “I think he’s going to be a superstar in this league, smart, and more than anything, I think that he has the ability to connect with players. And really that’s all of our staff. It’s been Zak, it’s been [Scott Booker], it’s been [Justin Hamilton], it’s been Clint [McMillan], who was also with me on the defensive line in Tennessee. So really, I think the defense is in good, good hands.”