Mike Vrabel Issues Warning To ‘Rats’ Leaking Patriots News
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has made it clear from Day 1 (and his tenure with the Tennessee Titans) that he runs a tight ship. So when he starts seeing leaks about anything – including injury news – he gets antsy.
That was that case on Thursday following the Patriots’ preseason loss to the New York Giants. Wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, who was slated to have a bigger role in the offense this season, was rumored to be undergoing season-ending shoulder injury prior to the post-game press conference. Naturally, one of the reporters asked Vrabel if he cared to comment.
Vrabel’s response was an emphatic “No.” He then declared that he wants to find the “rats” that are leaking information like that to the public.
“Other than I’d like to find out where some of these (reports) come from,” Vrabel said. “You know, some of these rats around here. So, we’ll figure that
out.”
Ja’Lynn Polk’s situation
Polk was the Patriots’ second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after playing four seasons of college football, with his final three at the University of Washington. He played a big role in helping the Huskies reach the national title game thanks to his passing combination with star QB Michael Penix Jr.
But as a rookie in 2024, there wasn’t much he could contribute while the team was going through post-Belichick growing pains. Granted, he didn’t help himself too much with his 36.4-percent catch rate, but seemingly everyone in New England struggled last year. Despite playing in 15 games, he only started seven and finished the season with 12 receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
Expectations were higher for Polk heading into his sophomore year. But now the season is over before it can even begin.
Opinions of Vrabel’s handling
NFL fans had some differing reactions to Vrabel’s “rats” comment. Some Patriots fans liked how he’s acting like Frank Costello from the Boston-based movie The Departed. Others rolled their eyes at his tough guy routine:
“Vrabel moves back to Boston and all of a sudden he’s Jack Nicholson in The Departed,” one user wrote.
“This is beyond ridiculous. After the surgery, are you going to pretend he didn’t have it? Dress someone else in his uniform as a decoy? What’s the point?” another remarked.
“Frank Costello Vibes,” wrote a third.
“This is not coaching or leadership. Show some care and concern for the player.”
“Yea yea. Some of these coaches tryna hold injuries in house. Its not realistic and its dumb. its not even gamesmanship. If he’s done he’s done. It doesn’t matter.”
“Yup…Head Coaches hate information like this coming out BEFORE they are ready to reveal that information. He’d better find out who the rats are before the #NFLDraft.”
New strategy
No matter how the news got out, the Patriots now need a replacement for Polk at wide receiver.
The good news is, teams are going to be cutting wideouts left and right over these next few days amid final roster cuts. The bad news is that any player the team can only acquire through a trade will probably have to deal with a price increase now that it’s a glaring position of need.
