The 2025 NFL season is a new era in New England. Longtime Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel gets the first game action of his tenure as head coach on Friday, Aug. 8, with a preseason game at home against the Washington Commanders.
He didn’t wait that long to get involved on the field, though.
Vrabel was seen bleeding from his face during a joint practice today between the Patriots and Commanders after breaking up a fight between players, per multiple reports.
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Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson and a blitzing Commanders defender started fighting after a play. Vrabel then jumped in to break things up, but more players ended up joining the fight, including Patriots offensive lineman Will Campbell.
Vrabel was later seen holding a towel to his face to stop the bleeding.
#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel is bleeding from his face after jumping in another fight pic.twitter.com/WwMGqnkhTs
— Drake 10 (@HoodiDrake) August 6, 2025
The Patriots’ coach was in good spirits after the incident. Wide receiver Demario Douglas said later he told the players, “You should see the other guy.”
The Commanders are in Foxborough, Massachusetts ahead of Friday’s preseason opener. The two teams will practice separately tomorrow ahead of the game.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Reports: Mike Vrabel bleeding after breaking up training camp fight
