After a failed attempt to usher in a new era of New England Patriots dominance under Jerod Mayo following the firing of legendary six-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick, owner Robert Kraft is making another effort to revive the Patriots dynasty. The 2024 season ended with a disappointing 4-13 record and Mayo’s dismissal, prompting Kraft to announce a fresh hire on January 13, 2025.
This time, the Patriots turned to Mike Vrabel, the former All-Pro linebacker who spent eight seasons under Belichick, playing in four Super Bowls and winning three championships. Vrabel also served as head coach of the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023, leading them to an AFC Championship appearance during the 2019 season.
When Vrabel was introduced at a press conference at Gillette Stadium on Monday, the atmosphere was optimistic—except on Boston sports talk radio. One notable absence loomed over the event: Drake Maye, the 22-year-old quarterback expected to lead the next Patriots era.
Radio Host Criticizes Maye’s Absence
“It’s not like this guy, this kid, is an electrician with just three days off and then he’s back at work,” said 98.5 The Sports Hub host Michael Felger during one of many broadcasts criticizing Maye’s no-show. “He doesn’t have to report to work for three months!”
Maye’s reason for missing the event soon became public: he was on a beach proposing to his high school sweetheart, Ann Michael Hudson, who accepted.
Even after learning the news, Felger refused to soften his stance. “All I’m saying is, it’s not unusual to make work a priority and balance the two,” Felger declared. “Just because he got engaged doesn’t mean I’m sitting here saying, ‘OK, I get why he didn’t come back.’ You can get engaged and still show up.”
Bill O’Brien Responds, While Vrabel and Maye Stay Silent
As of January 17, neither Vrabel nor Maye has publicly addressed Felger’s criticism, which dominated local sports talk for much of the week. However, former Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien weighed in during an appearance on WEEI, a rival sports radio station. O’Brien served as OC during the Patriots’ 2011 Super Bowl run, which ended in a 21-17 loss to the New York Giants.
“I could care less,” O’Brien remarked. “When the offseason program starts, you want the guy in the front row ready to go. It’s not about press conferences. Someone told me once, ‘It’s all great at the press conference, and then it’s all downhill from there.’ The press conferences are great, but who cares who’s at the press conference?”
As Boston.com’s Conor Ryan pointed out, former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was present at the press conference introducing Mayo as head coach on January 17, 2024.
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