Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel was especially emotional about his team after their 19-10 win over the Colts on Sunday. It wasn’t a pretty game with the Titans only tacking on a pair of field goals in the second half. But it was a hard-fought divisional win, and Vrabel clearly appreciated his team’s effort.
That couldn’t have been more clear than during his postgame greeting with center Ben Jones.
Jones had played through the game hurt and appeared to get shaken up again in the second half. But Jones refused to leave the game, and he ended up playing a key part in Derrick Henry’s first-down runs to the ice the game on the final drive. Vrabel obviously noticed what Jones was dealing with, and he waited in the tunnel just to let Jones know how proud of him he was.
Amazing reaction from Vrabel when he greets Ben Jones after the win over the Colts.
📷: NFL pic.twitter.com/Kh7K2eP0Ho
— Titans247 (@NFL_Titans247) October 25, 2022
The initial video of the moment went viral on Twitter Sunday, but thanks to NFL Films, we can hear what was said in the mic’d-up footage.
Vrabel said:
“I’ve never seen anything like it. I’ve never seen anything like it. I’ve never seen anything like it. I love you like my own. I mean, I’ve never seen anything like it.”
After the game, Vrabel spoke more about what Jones was going through and, again, he emphasized the physical toughness. Via The Tennessean:
“I don’t think people realize … the toll that this game takes and what it can give you, but also what it can take away from you. They put a lot in and they compete and it’s violent. I’ve just really got a lot of respect for the majority of these guys that are finding ways no matter what each and every week. They’re far less than 100%, during the game. Things come up and they get evaluated and you can just tell that it means a lot to them.”
Fans also loved the moment too.
This was how Twitter reacted
HURT, would not come out, tried to take him out, REFUSED,
Football is a rough sport, toughness on this DUDE is next level.
When an #NFL coach is crying for you, all you need to know. https://t.co/flaFkdA39B— Rusty Mansell (@Mansell247) October 25, 2022
We don’t talk about this guy enough. 11 years of Trench work. 💪🏾 https://t.co/pSaiQO4lPb
— Tavarres King (@Tkunodos) October 25, 2022
Mike “gets it”, mad respect. https://t.co/T2MuOB1Zfb
— Randy Mueller (@RandyMueller_) October 25, 2022
That is a coach. Love the respect between player and coach. https://t.co/vYFMLrThK1
— AB Goalie Scout (@GoalieAb) October 24, 2022
Love to see this acknowledgment by Vrabes! https://t.co/yd7uGlLMlG
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) October 24, 2022
“The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” https://t.co/amsyBXXJxj
— TEAIR TART9️⃣3️⃣ (@speedboy_te75) October 24, 2022
Things you absolutely love to see. https://t.co/4uwUBSENm4
— Tom Blazer (@TBlazer5AS1) October 24, 2022
Ben Jones is a freakin stud. Hands down! https://t.co/38Ajj23v00
— Taylor S Hurst (@TitansMan97) October 24, 2022
A true warrior right here! #titans https://t.co/fyZ9Kv2968
— Titans Rossi! (@TitansRossi) October 24, 2022
You love to see (and hear!) that kind of respect.
