In the NFL, part of the combine process involves interviews to assess whether a player can mesh well with a team. Relationship building, trust, and football philosophy are just as important sometimes as talent.

When the Tennessee Titans drafted A.J. Brown in 2019, he joined a staff that included now New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Vrabel was his head coach in Tennessee, and Brown had a chance to reflect on their time together.

Brown joined the Dudes on Dudes podcast and was candid about his feelings regarding Vrabel. “I didn’t like him, and I admit that he knows that,” Brown told the podcast hosted by Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski.

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Vrabel wasn’t afraid to call out his players in front of the team as Brown recounted. “[Vrabel] is the type of coach that he’s going to call on you in the meetings … He wants to make sure you’re staying engaged, and he’s going to go over the keys to victory of the week. You’d better know them by the back of your hand.”

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel hugs Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) as the teams get ready to face off at Lincoln Financial Field Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Philadelphia, Pa. Nfl Tennessee Titans At Philadelphia Eagles

Vrabel routinely made an example of Brown in his rookie year–something he didn’t understand why. So, he spoke to his head coach.

“I told [Vrabel] like, ‘Hey, like I’m humble already. You don’t got to humble me,’” Brown said. “But I really didn’t understand what he was trying to, you know, push me to be.”

Vrabel then showed Brown why he is so hard on him. It was simple: a belief that Brown was destined for greatness.

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Vrabel pulled up film on Brown scoring a touchdown and gave him praise. “So, I was kind of feeling good about myself, right?” Brown said. Then Vrabel showed a similar play to Brown.

Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrates first down against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

“He showed me another play … I get tackled. He was like, ‘What’s the difference between the first play and the second play?’” Brown then recalled what Vrabel told him about the difference.

“He was like, ‘You’re tired … That’s not going to cut it … That same mentality that you showed on the first play, you should do that all the time. That’s who you are.”

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Vrabel was clear with his wide receiver. Brown was an exceptional talent who needed the push like every other player. He needed to be held accountable to be great.

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel leaves the field at halftime against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“It makes the team come together because nobody is bigger than the team. Nobody is bigger than the program, so you have to respect it.” Brown concluded.

It’s clear, though their relationship started off a bit rocky, that Vrabel had Brown’s best interest at heart. That’s part of why the Patriots were so eager to hire him, resulting in a Super Bowl trip his first season in New England.

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