Coach Mike Vrabel Injects Fun Fridays for Patriots During Playoff Push
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has implemented a new tradition to enhance team morale during the NFL season. Looking to break the monotony of weekly routines, Vrabel designated Fridays as “Fun Fridays” for his players. The initiative focuses on balancing hard work during the week with light-hearted activities before game day.
Injecting Fun into Fridays
The idea behind Fun Fridays is simple: players work hard from Monday to Thursday, then enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere on Fridays. This shift helps prevent the usual repetition in the NFL season, re-energizing the team as they prepare for their next opponent.
Weekly Team Meetings
During these gatherings, Vrabel showcases intriguing video clips from high school games, teasing players to guess whose highlights they are watching. For instance, he recently revealed that defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson would join the team’s leadership as a captain for that week’s game, following a showing of his high school footage. This guessing game adds an engaging twist to the Friday meetings.
- Vrabel aims to foster camaraderie and laughter.
- Players whisper their guesses during the highlight viewing.
- The clips incorporate humor, often poking fun at the week’s captain.
The Role of Humor
Vrabel encourages players and staff to embrace humor and self-deprecation. This approach has made the high school film viewings a source of entertainment. Players, including right tackle Morgan Moses, have found themselves at the center of jokes, helping to create a fun environment.
For one of these sessions, first-round pick Will Campbell was tasked with leading the meeting. His attempts to deliver a humor-filled recap have evolved, earning mixed reviews that ultimately improved with practice. Players appreciate Campbell’s amusing storytelling style, which adds levity to their preparation.
On-Field Engagement
The fun extends to the practice field, where Fridays include red zone drills along with playful competitions between coaches. Vrabel invites assistant coaches to compete in one-on-one matchups as wide receivers and cornerbacks, encouraging players to cheer them on. This has become a highly anticipated part of Friday practice, allowing players to build team spirit.
- Players support their position coaches during drills.
- Special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer stands out during these competitions.
Impact on Team Culture
Through these initiatives, Vrabel fosters a positive atmosphere, reminding players of the importance of joy during a demanding season. With the Patriots holding an impressive 15-3 record, including a recent playoff victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, the benefits of Fun Fridays are evident.
Players continue to discuss standout moments from the high school highlights and the light-hearted entities that accompany them. Vrabel’s commitment to keeping things lively on Fridays significantly helps the Patriots maintain a balanced approach to their rigorous schedule and ongoing playoff push.
