Patriots HC Mike Vrabel Doubles Down on Importance of Mental Health Following Rondale Moore’s Sudden Death

Mike Vrabel spoke about mental health issues among football athletes after Vikings WR Rondale Moore's death.

Patriots HC Mike Vrabel Doubles Down on Importance of Mental Health Following Rondale Moore’s Sudden Death

Mike Vrabel and Rondale Moore inside the circle (Image via IMAGO)

Mike Vrabel presented sharp insight about athletes’ mental health while speaking with Mike Florio and Chris Simms on Pro Football Talk during NFL Combine week. Vrabel noted the role of a coach in helping players overcome hardships.

Recently, former Cardinals/Falcons/Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore died due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the garage of his own house in Indiana. Moore spent the final two years of his career on injured reserve due to repeated injuries. He did not start any official NFL games throughout that period.

Vrabel explained in detail that mental health is equally important in an athlete as their physical health. As coaches, it is their responsibility to speak with players and help them overcome the challenges that come with playing pro football.

Don’t just ask somebody how they’re doing. There’s a follow-up to that. You can ask somebody how they’re doing and not stop. Y’know what I mean? Like, be intentional… This is a high-pressure business. We love what we signed up for.

Mike Vrabel told Florio and Simms

The NFL is a very lucrative league. On the other hand, players have a relatively short shelf life, injuries can cut short their career, and to top it all off, the media constantly pry into and judge everything.

You’re judged. You have to be okay with being judged. So, we all need people to talk to… Everybody’s journey looks a little different… Don’t be afraid to sit there and stop the next time you ask somebody how they’re doing.

Vrabel quipped

Mike Vrabel opened up about his relationship with Eagles WR AJ Brown

With the free agency market set to open in a few weeks, the Patriots have been linked to several high-profile names. At the top of that list is Eagles wideout AJ Brown.

Patriots HC Mike Vrabel Doubles Down on Importance of Mental Health Following Rondale Moore’s Sudden Death
Mike Vrabel (Image via IMAGO)

The Super Bowl winner spent the first few years of his league life with the Titans, learning from Vrabel.

I think the relationship with players, and specifically, you asked about A.J. It has meant a lot. I’ve watched him grow. I’ve watched him mature. I’m proud of him, proud of the father that he is. I’m proud of the husband [he is]. That has nothing to do with where he plays or where he played. Those are the things that are important.

Vrabel said (HT/MassLive)

The Patriots signed Stefon Diggs on a two-year deal, and the Pro Bowler repaid them with a 1000-yard season in 2025. That said, his future in New England is uncertain. Keeping that in mind, it will not surprise anyone if the Patriots trade for a player who grew up supporting them.

However, the Eagles’ head coach, Nick Sirianni, expects Brown to stay in Philly.

Yeah, my expectation is he wants to be here. And obviously you want good players like that in your building.

Sirianni said

NFL players remember Rondale Moore

Vrabel is the latest high-profile name to speak on athletes’ mental health after Moore’s death. One of the prominent figures to highlight this underlying issue is retired NFL offensive lineman Breiden Fehoko. The former Charger called out the NFL franchises in a fiery tweet.

You go to a staff member tell em you struggling, watch how different they start treating and looking at you. I seen it first hand.. I’ll start believing they care about player health when the Owner, GM, & head coach treat everyone on that roster the same from the franchise QB to the janitor.

Fehoko tweeted

Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby remembered Moore by posting a video. Crosby was left impressed by the 5-foot-7 speedster’s trickery.

I remember playing against Rondale Moore and thinking, ‘That’s the coldest dude I’ve ever been on the field with, up to that point.

Crosby said

He even compared Moore to All-Pro Super Bowl-winning wideout Tyreek Hill and had urged ex-Raiders general manager Mike Mayock to draft the University of Purdue graduate.

We need Rondale Moore, this dude is Tyreek Hill.

Crosby confessed

Moore played three seasons in the NFL. He recorded 135 passes for 1201 yards and scored 3 touchdowns.

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