Mike Vrabel Reveals Awkward Urban Meyer Encounter on ManningCast, Sparking NFL Buzz

During ESPN’s ManningCast on Monday night, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel delivered one of the most unexpected, unintentionally hilarious stories of the season — a moment that instantly went viral across NFL circles and left fans replaying the clip in disbelief. What began as a casual conversation between the Manning brothers and Vrabel turned into a sharp, brutally honest recounting of his run-in with former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer back in 2021.

Vrabel, known for his dry humor and straightforward demeanor, recounted a moment that stunned Peyton and Eli Manning almost as much as it stunned the internet. According to the Patriots head coach, during one of Tennessee’s trips to Jacksonville in the 2021 season, Meyer approached him on the field pregame, paused for a moment, and asked, “Do I know you?” The Mannings burst into laughter — and Vrabel didn’t hesitate to share the punchline.

Without missing a beat, he told Meyer: “Yeah, I’m the head coach of the Titans — and I worked for you for two years.” The response immediately sent social media into a frenzy. Fans, former players, and analysts couldn’t resist the commentary, considering Vrabel and Meyer had, in fact, spent two seasons together at Ohio State, where Meyer served as head coach and Vrabel worked as the Buckeyes’ defensive line coach from 2012 to 2013.

Vrabel’s time at Ohio State marked his earliest coaching experience at a major program, and Meyer was the man who helped launch his coaching trajectory. Yet, according to Vrabel’s retelling, Meyer didn’t even recognize him eight years later — even after Vrabel had become one of the NFL’s most respected head coaches and taken the Titans to an AFC Championship Game.

The story quickly reignited discussions about Meyer’s turbulent tenure in Jacksonville, which was marred by controversy, locker-room tension, and missteps that ultimately led to his dismissal before completing his first season. NFL fans pointed to the anecdote as yet another example of the disorganization and disconnect reported during Meyer’s brief time in the league.

But for Vrabel, the moment wasn’t shared with bitterness — it was delivered with the kind of deadpan humor that fans have come to appreciate from the former linebacker. His storytelling tone suggested equal parts amusement and disbelief, making the anecdote both lighthearted and telling.

Despite the viral response, Vrabel kept the focus professional, adding later in the broadcast that his time under Meyer at Ohio State taught him valuable early lessons about defensive structure, staff discipline, and program building. However, the ManningCast clip quickly overshadowed the more serious elements of the conversation, with fans looping the exchange and creating countless memes almost instantly.

The Patriots head coach rarely dives into personal stories on national TV, but when he does, they tend to reverberate across the NFL landscape. This latest revelation continues that trend — offering a glimpse into Vrabel’s personality, his past, and the occasionally surreal nature of the coaching fraternity.

For Meyer, the moment may be yet another uncomfortable footnote in his complicated legacy. For Vrabel, it was simply a chance to share a true story with comedic timing. And for NFL fans, it was ManningCast gold — the kind of unscripted, authentic banter the show has become known for.

One awkward question. One legendary comeback. And a viral moment that only the NFL could produce.