Speaking for the first time as a Chief, Vrabel did not take any parting shots at the Patriots or coach Bill Belichick, but he made it clear that leaving the team was neither his choice nor his request. If it had been, you can bet he wouldn't have asked to be traded to a team coming off a 2-14 season.
When asked whether exiting Foxborough was his idea, Vrabel, whose inclusion in the Cassel trade saved the Patriots about $3.3 million of the $4.3 million he was slated to count against their salary cap in 2009, echoed a phrase made popular by his former coach.
"I wouldn't say that is necessarily true, but the situation is what it is," said Vrabel. "So, to be anything but excited wouldn't be giving the Chiefs, [their] players, myself, and the fans the respect that they deserve. I am playing for the Chiefs. So, whoever I was going to be playing for this year, I would give them the same effort."
The 12-year veteran, entering the final season of his contract, bristled at a question about whether he'd be playing his 13th NFL season with the proverbial chip on his shoulder because the Patriots jettisoned him.
However, Vrabel, who will turn 34 in August, made it abundantly clear he still feels that at this stage of his career, he can be productive.
"Let's put it this way: This is a production business and the bottom line is it is all about production," said Vrabel. "You put those eight years up against a lot of different guys, I would be really happy with what I did in those eight years. With that being said, I know that I have got some more football left. I can still play, and I can still help the Chiefs, and I will help the Chiefs.
"I have never gone into a season and said, 'I am going to do this, this, and this.' I will promise you that I will work. I'll be consistent, and, God willing, I will be durable. Those are the things that I like to think that I brought to the table in New England and will bring to the table in Kansas City."
