Ohio native Mike Vrabel headed to Super Bowl LX

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. (Photo: New England Patriots)

FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts - The New England Patriots are heading to the Super Bowl for the 12th time in their history.

This time, they are led by Ohio native Mike Vrabel, who attended Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, where he played under then-head coach Gerry Rardin. 

After graduating, Vrabel accepted a scholarship to the Ohio State University, where he played from 1993 to 1996 and became a first-team All-American linebacker. 

That play would get him drafted in the 1997 NFL Draft with the 97th pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he would play for four seasons. After he became a free agent, he signed with the Patriots in 2001 and played for eight seasons, winning three Super Bowls and multiple awards and accolades.

Currently, as the head coach of the same team (1st season) where he won three Super Bowls, he has the opportunity to both play for and coach a Super Bowl franchise. 

As of press time, they are set to await the victor of the NFC Championship game, which will feature the Los Angeles Rams against the Seattle Seahawks. 

Also on this coaching staff is Canton McKinley alum Josh McDaniels, who serves as the Offensive Coordinator and is no stranger to the New England Patriots franchise, also won six Super Bowl rings in the same role.