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Mike Reiss
Multiple Authors
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Towards the conclusion of a scorching training camp practice at the New England Patriots’ facility in late August, veteran center Garrett Bradbury was asked about his vision of what success might entail for the 2025 Patriots. The team was in the process of revamping after consecutive four-win seasons, and Bradbury, having signed as a free agent just months prior, was reflecting on the scenario.
“Honestly, no,” Bradbury replied. “Year 7 for me has had seasons where we underperformed, yet still won many games. And the opposite is true, too.”
Fast forward five months, and Bradbury found himself in the locker room of Denver’s support Field at Mile High, celebrating the Patriots’ victory in the AFC Championship Game. He struggled to comprehend the success that had paved the way for a 14-3 season and a Super Bowl LX appearance against the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, California (Sunday, 6:30 p.m., NBC).
“Can you believe this?” he exclaimed. “It’s like a dream.”
Throughout the past year, the Patriots have executed a series of strategic maneuvers culminating in an unexpected Super Bowl run.
It began with owner Robert Kraft dismissing first-year head coach Jerod Mayo and bringing in Mike Vrabel, who had six seasons of head coaching experience with the Tennessee Titans (2018-23). From his very first day, Vrabel envisioned cultivating a team that emphasized culture and strong connections.
This vision translated into their free agency and NFL draft strategies, resulting in the acquisition of resilient players who delivered key performances under pressure, notably a Week 5 victory against divisional rival Buffalo Bills. Alongside an MVP-worthy season from second-year quarterback Drake Maye, these moments sped up the Patriots’ journey to the Super Bowl, surprising even the players.
“I recognized we had a young quarterback brimming with potential,” receiver Stefon Diggs noted regarding his preseason outlook. “… At that moment, I wouldn’t have predicted, ‘We’re likely heading to the Super Bowl.’ My focus was on the grind and hoping my teammates would rally behind that effort.”
Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf observed the efficacy of Vrabel’s vision early in the process.
“After about two weeks of the offseason, I sensed, ‘Mike’s going to turn this around.’ But I had no idea it would happen so swiftly,” Wolf recalled. “It materialized quicker than anyone expected, and the results speak for themselves.”
The Patriots’ remarkable turnaround can be credited to five critical moments that elucidate their path to success.
Kraft’s Bold Decision
It transpired swiftly.
Approximately an hour after the 2024 regular-season concluded on Jan. 5, 2025, Kraft let Mayo go following a tumultuous 4-13 season that ended with two sparsely-attended home games. Some fans expressed their discontent by wearing paper bags over their heads.
The following day, Kraft kept his comments succinct, stating he had placed Mayo in an untenable position.
“This entire situation falls on me,” he remarked, patting his chest twice. “Now I must find a coach capable of steering us back to the playoffs and potentially championships.”
Kraft admitted to wrestling with the decision throughout December 2024. A significant consideration was Vrabel, who spent a year as an offensive assistant with the Cleveland Browns following his dismissal from the Titans and interviewed for a coaching position with the rival New York Jets on Jan. 3.
This resulted in a prompt hiring of Vrabel, who previously won three Super Bowl rings as a Patriots linebacker from 2001-08, on Jan. 12, 2025.
In his introductory press conference, Vrabel articulated his strategy for revitalizing the Patriots, asserting, “We aim to treat all players as they treat the team, and treat all employees the same way.” He envisioned a program that backed players and one they would feel proud to support. One of his core philosophies: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
Assembling an experienced coaching staff aligned with this vision was crucial, many of whom had previously worked with Vrabel in Tennessee. Vice president of football operations and strategy John Streicher served as Vrabel’s right-hand man with the Titans, and having him on board was essential for Vrabel. The same was true for vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden, who joined the front office under Wolf.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was another vital addition, particularly due to the potential of Maye, who Vrabel acknowledged was a primary reason for his interest in the job.
These swift choices, along with the subsequent ones, formed the bedrock of the Patriots’ success.
“From Day 1, [Vrabel] established that standard, that culture, and he surrounded himself with individuals who echoed that message,” linebacker Harold Landry III explained. “Vrabel is leading the charge.”
Maximizing Free Agency
During the 2025 NFL combine, Vrabel clarified the Patriots’ strategy for the upcoming free agency.
“I enjoy shopping like everyone else. When there’s only a limited selection, you might have to pay a premium for that one item,” he noted.
Defensive tackle Milton Williams emerged as that “exclusive item” for the Patriots; his four-year, $104 million contract set a franchise record, reflecting Vrabel and Co.’s aggressive approach to revitalizing the roster with a long-term strategy due to previous drafting inconsistencies.
While Williams has fueled a defense that has propelled the Patriots through the playoffs, he hasn’t been alone in this effort.
The Patriots committed $209 million in guaranteed funds to free agents, the highest in the NFL during the previous offseason.
Out of the 17 players who received guaranteed money, 15 continue with the team, many occupying crucial positions. The exceptions are veteran offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer (now retired) and safety Marcus Epps (released), who collectively accounted for a mere $650,000 in guaranteed funds.
They could potentially be the second consecutive team to win the Super Bowl after leading the league in guaranteed spending on free agency the prior season, following the 2024 Eagles, who allocated $275 million on free agents. Williams, who received $63 million guaranteed, was on that Eagles roster and excelled in Super Bowl LIX with two sacks of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
“In free agency, identifying the right individuals is crucial. They need to be talented but also possess the right character,” Vrabel emphasized. “Finding that balance can be challenging, yet we approached each decision with clear intent regarding the type of players we sought to invest in.”
A significant portion of the free agents signed were players already familiar to the coaching staff.
Veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III ($34.5 million guaranteed) played for the Detroit Lions in 2024, where current DC Terrell Williams served as defensive line coach. Landry ($26 million) spent his initial six seasons under Vrabel in Tennessee. Linebacker Robert Spillane ($20.6 million) began his NFL career as an undrafted rookie with Vrabel’s Titans.
The search for a proven receiver to enhance the offense was also critical.
The Patriots had their eyes set on Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin, but he opted to remain in Tampa for significantly less than the $30 million per season the Patriots were prepared to offer.
Vrabel had emphasized the need for adaptability in such circumstances, which eventually led them to Diggs ($26 million). This move carried risk, as Diggs, then 31, was recovering from a torn right ACL suffered in October 2024. but, the payoff was substantial — Diggs not only led the team with 85 receptions for 1,013 yards but also inspired a pregame speech early in the season with the words, “We all we got, we all we need,” which turned into a rallying cry for the team.
“Some of the newcomers we brought in — Spillane, Diggs, Milton Williams — have demonstrated to the others what they’re capable of,” Wolf mentioned about the free agent class following the AFC Championship Game.
Offensive tackle Morgan Moses (three years, $24 million), receiver Mack Hollins (two years, $8.4 million), edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson (one year, $3 million), and Bradbury (two years, $9.5 million) also emerged as astute under-the-radar acquisitions.
Reflecting on the team’s depleted roster as of last February and the reasoning behind such an aggressive strategy, Vrabel stated: “Free agency typically revolves around compensation and opportunity. We were in a position to offer both.”
He also cautioned that not all signings would play out as desired, a rare miss for a coach who was named AP Coach of the Year.
“There isn’t a single individual in that free agency class where we didn’t find success,” said Moses, the team’s veteran at 34, who received praise for his outstanding performance throughout the season, as noted by Vrabel.
“That’s a testament to the front office and Coach Vrabel for their diligence. It’s been a collaborative effort across the board. Every new addition has made a notable impact and contributed to mentoring the younger players as well.”
3:53
The Patriots’ Four H’s: History, Heroes, Heartbreak, and Hope
Coach Mike Vrabel engaged players in a team exercise where they shared stories about their hometowns, heroes, heartbreaks, and hopes.
Building Connections: History, Hero, Heartbreak, and Hope
On April 7, 2025, Vrabel instituted a team-building exercise during the Patriots’ voluntary offseason program, which would resonate with players throughout the season.
His primary objective was fostering connections between teammates and the coaching staff, drawing inspiration from former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. Vrabel stood before the team to share his four H’s:
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History — Where do you come from?
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Hero — Who do you idolize?
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Heartbreak — What is your greatest source of sorrow?
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Hope — What do you aspire to achieve?
“There was no concrete direction other than ‘I’ll go first and let’s see where this leads.’ I felt nervous. It was my first time sharing candidly about myself and some deeply personal matters,” Vrabel recounted.
Players have credited the four H’s with nurturing a tight-knit bond within the team.
“When we first learned about the four H’s and the requirement to share our stories, guys were uncertain about how it would unfold,” linebacker Jack Gibbens recalled. “But Coach Vrabes led by example and opened up. That encouraged everyone to see the potential of this exercise in building connections.”
The four H’s typically occurred towards the end of the week, dedicating an hour of meeting time to them. While primarily an offseason initiative, it continued into training camp, incorporating rookies as well. Players submitted pictures, and once posted, they knew they would be summoned by Vrabel.
As many as five or six players would share their four H’s each day, drawn randomly from a coffee mug.
“Each time that coffee mug appeared, I anticipated hearing an inspiring story,” running back Rhamondre Stevenson remarked. “All the stories deepened my respect for my teammates. Understanding their journeys made this experience even more special — knowing who you’re battling with on the field.”
Before the Patriots left for the Super Bowl, Maye referenced the four H’s, bringing it all full circle.
“At the start of the [year], we shared our stories and our aspirations — winning the Super Bowl was a common hope,” Maye reflected. “And look at where we are now; those hopes are becoming a reality.”
Planning for the Future at the NFL Draft
The Patriots entered the 2025 NFL draft with 11 selections, and a visit to Baton Rouge in the days prior confirmed their first choice: selecting offensive tackle Will Campbell with the No. 4 pick.
“When Vrabes visited for my private workout, it marked the fourth time we were together. I recognized the significance of this occasion,” Campbell shared.
Vrabel sensed during his visit to LSU that Campbell aimed to prove he was the right choice. During their workout, Campbell impressed Vrabel by flooring him during practice drills, later treating Vrabel and the team executives to his favorite dining spot — Phil’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant.
Phil’s walls are adorned with old LSU jerseys, and its signature dish, chargrilled oysters, are a favorite. Campbell frequented the restaurant enough to casually mention owner Anthony Piazza as if they were lifelong friends.
Connections like this resonate deeply with Vrabel.
“I admire his character — everything he stands for and believes in,” Vrabel commented.
At just 22, Campbell has set the tone for a draft class where every selected player remains on the active roster, alongside four undrafted free agents. He quickly became a Day 1 starter at left tackle and provided comic relief every Friday with his “Weekend Update” — an unfiltered, humorous speech that has become a team tradition.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson, selected in the second round from Ohio State, is the first Patriots player to score multiple 50-plus-yard touchdown runs in a season.
Safety Craig Woodson, a fourth-round choice from Cal, played the most snaps on defense (94%) and was highlighted by Landry as a player deserving of more recognition.
Rookie kicker Andy Borregales (sixth round) finished with a remarkable 27-of-32 on field goals and a near-perfect 53-of-55 on extra point attempts, with his 52-yard game-winning kick late in the fourth quarter during Week 5 against the Bills celebrated by teammates as one of the year’s top moments.
“This rookie class has been exceptional,” Campbell said. “We have amazing guys contributing significantly on the field while showcasing the character qualities the team desires.”
Among all teams that have participated in the Super Bowl since 2007, when ESPN started tracking snap-count data, the Patriots’ 18.2% rookie participation rate is the highest of that group. Campbell and third-round pick Jared Wilson (left guard) will be the first rookies to start on the same offensive line in a Super Bowl.
Moses, now in his 12th NFL season, praised the rookies for their humility.
Sixth-year safety Jaylinn Hawkins noted, “They came in and executed at a high level. Impressive maturity. A lot of rookies don’t arrive like that.”
The Moment Everything Came Together
On Oct. 5, 2025, during a Week 5 clash against the Bills in Orchard Park, New York, the Patriots experienced a turning point that reshaped their season.
The team had a record of 2-2, alternating wins and losses through the first month.
but, the Sunday night matchup against the five-time defending AFC East champions would serve as a genuine test.
The Patriots led 6-3 at halftime after a solid first two quarters but the Bills scored on their opening drive of the second half, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Yet Maye struck back with a remarkable 32-yard off-platform throw to Diggs down the right sideline, a play that might be remembered as his announcement to the NFL.
“That was the essence of ‘Road Warriors.’ That truly started it,” Maye reflected. His stellar second-half performance (13-of-14 for 184 yards) helped the Patriots upset the Bills 23-20 with Borregales’ 52-yard field goal in the final seconds.
“Winning in Buffalo, where they had a streak of [14] home wins at that point, reinforced our identity. We realized that victory might not always be pretty on the road, but trusting ourselves is essential. That marked the beginning of the ‘Road Warriors’ mentality, and we’ve carried that through.”
The Patriots thereafter became the first team in NFL history to finish with a 9-0 road record, clinching their first division title since the 2019 season.
Wolf noted that this moment shifted the team’s mindset from “waiting for something negative to transpire to ‘I’m going to make a play.'”
Maye recounted feelings of relief and exhaustion in the locker room after the game, a testament to the effort required to secure a victory against a playoff contender.
Coaches, like wide receivers coach Todd Downing, detected growing synergies between players and the coaching staff.
“The Buffalo game solidified our players’ belief in our guidance,” he noted. “Up until then, we were figuring things out. Vrabes excels at detailing what it takes to win weekly, empowering his staff to effectively relay that on offense, defense, and special teams.
“Players began to realize, ‘These guys are directing us toward success.’ Facing a challenging environment so early in our journey reinforced everyone’s conviction that we’re making progress; if we tighten things up, we can secure wins.”
That victory marked the onset of a 10-game winning streak, aided by one of the NFL’s more manageable schedules following their previous season’s last-place finish.
The streak was halted in a rematch against the Bills in Week 15, where they squandered a 17-point halftime lead, casting doubts on whether the Patriots had hit their peak. but, they rebounded the subsequent game in Baltimore, overcoming an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to secure a 28-24 win, courtesy of some sensational plays by Maye.
Since then, the team hasn’t dropped a game, with the defense taking charge as they advanced through the playoffs, eyeing Super Bowl LX.
Bradbury, who spent his initial six seasons with the Vikings, revisited a note from McDaniels shared in a late November unit meeting.
“We can achieve this!”
In the meeting, McDaniels showcased footage of championship squads exemplifying how to practice and compete.
“While still focusing on the week-by-week process of going 1-0, it’s important to acknowledge what lies ahead, which is quite unique,” Bradbury commented.
“You always entertain the notion that it’s achievable. Then you’re in it, and you think, ‘Wow, it truly is.’ Now look where we are.”
