Patriots 1st-rounder says he never wants to play for anyone other than Mike Vrabel

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Patriots 1st-rounder says he never wants to play for anyone other than Mike Vrabel

Chris Mason · MassLive

Mon, Jan 5, 2026 ·

2 min read

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FOXBOROUGH — There are a number of catalysts to New England’s shocking turnaround, but everything starts with Mike Vrabel.

Taking over a 4-13 team, the coach had a vision for the culture he wanted to forge, and it’s come to fruition far sooner than anticipated. At 14-3, the Patriots won the AFC East and will host a playoff game at Gillette Stadium next week.

Following Sunday’s 38-10 trouncing of the Dolphins, first-rounder Will Campbell said he never wanted to play for anyone but Vrabel.

“The first time I met him, we definitely hit it off,” Campbell said. “We’re very similar. But I just feel like it is very rare to have a coach like him that can connect with so many different personalities on the team. I don’t ever want to have to play for anybody else. I feel like that’s the best way to sum it up.”

Campbell was a collegiate star at LSU and turns 22 later this week, but said the joy from this season has made him feel like a teenager again.

“This is the most fun I’ve had playing football since high school,” Campbell said. “All you hear about whenever you’re going into the league as a rookie is, ‘It’s not like college, enjoy college. You don’t have that close bond (as a) team, (with) your coaches.’ I feel like that’s complete BS because this team has done nothing but prove that wrong. I feel like we’ve got a lot of great guys, some great coaches, and I’m just super thankful to be a part of this group.”

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New England ’s biggest challenge of the season awaits, as they’ll host the Chargers in the Wild Card round next weekend. It’ll be Campbell’s first taste of playoff football, but the left tackle believes he’s ready for what’s to come.

“Even though I haven’t played in it, you understand what’s on the line,” Campbell said. “You understand that it is win or go home. You’re going to get everybody’s best shot. Everybody’s best pass rush, play after play. Everybody’s best call on defense. So we’ll have to have a good week of preparation.”

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