NFL's Unlikely Super Bowl Starter Was Once Cut by His Beloved Coach. Now He's the Team's Go-To Guy.
Robert Spillane has come a long way since being passed over twice by his former coach Mike Vrabel. The Patriots linebacker, 30, is now leading the team into the Super Bowl against the Seahawks as their starting middle linebacker and team captain. Despite facing numerous setbacks in his career, including multiple cuts from his previous teams, Spillane's relentless dedication to football has finally paid off.
Spillane's improbable journey began when Vrabel, who was coaching at Ohio State, initially passed on him as a mid-major recruit. Years later, Vrabel again turned down Spillane while he was the Titans' coach in 2018. However, it seems that Vrabel finally saw something in Spillane that had been missing all these years.
In 2023, when Vrabel became the Patriots' head coach, he made Spillane a priority in free agency. The linebacker has since become an integral part of the team, showcasing his impressive skills on the field. He led the team with 97 tackles this season, intercepted two passes, forced a fumble, and had a sack.
Despite having faced adversity, including a recent ankle injury that kept him out of practice, Spillane remains optimistic about playing in the Super Bowl. "Very much so," he replied when asked if he was optimistic about playing Sunday. The Patriots are counting on his expertise, which has earned him the earpiece in his helmet and the title of directing the entire defense.
Spillane's relationship with Vrabel is a testament to the importance of forgiveness and trust in sports. "He was the first one to give me a chance and let me go to training camp and be on his practice squad," Spillane said. "He saw something in me. I had just gone through a rookie tryout with the Vikings, and it felt like I wasn’t even noticed for three days."
The Patriots' defense has ranked eighth in the league this season, thanks largely to Spillane's leadership and skills on the field. His teammates appreciate his work ethic, which remains unchanged despite having earned an eight-year contract worth $33 million.
"It shows," said Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins. "Those things don’t leave you, regardless of what the contract looks like. That’s his standard, and it shows."
Robert Spillane has come a long way since being passed over twice by his former coach Mike Vrabel. The Patriots linebacker, 30, is now leading the team into the Super Bowl against the Seahawks as their starting middle linebacker and team captain. Despite facing numerous setbacks in his career, including multiple cuts from his previous teams, Spillane's relentless dedication to football has finally paid off.
Spillane's improbable journey began when Vrabel, who was coaching at Ohio State, initially passed on him as a mid-major recruit. Years later, Vrabel again turned down Spillane while he was the Titans' coach in 2018. However, it seems that Vrabel finally saw something in Spillane that had been missing all these years.
In 2023, when Vrabel became the Patriots' head coach, he made Spillane a priority in free agency. The linebacker has since become an integral part of the team, showcasing his impressive skills on the field. He led the team with 97 tackles this season, intercepted two passes, forced a fumble, and had a sack.
Despite having faced adversity, including a recent ankle injury that kept him out of practice, Spillane remains optimistic about playing in the Super Bowl. "Very much so," he replied when asked if he was optimistic about playing Sunday. The Patriots are counting on his expertise, which has earned him the earpiece in his helmet and the title of directing the entire defense.
Spillane's relationship with Vrabel is a testament to the importance of forgiveness and trust in sports. "He was the first one to give me a chance and let me go to training camp and be on his practice squad," Spillane said. "He saw something in me. I had just gone through a rookie tryout with the Vikings, and it felt like I wasn’t even noticed for three days."
The Patriots' defense has ranked eighth in the league this season, thanks largely to Spillane's leadership and skills on the field. His teammates appreciate his work ethic, which remains unchanged despite having earned an eight-year contract worth $33 million.
"It shows," said Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins. "Those things don’t leave you, regardless of what the contract looks like. That’s his standard, and it shows."
! Who would've thought that getting cut by his own coach (twice!) could be the push he needed to become a Super Bowl starter? 
It's all about perseverance and proving people wrong, you know? 
! And it's amazing to see how far he's come, not just on the field, but also in terms of building trust and forgiveness with his coaches and teammates.
. There's something inspiring about an underdog story like this one that makes you wanna cheer for the guy! 
But Robert Spillane is def a prime example of how hard work & dedication can take u to the top 
! Vrabel's decision 2 bring him back must've paid off, 'cause this guy's got skills 
! His work ethic's inspiring, even if u are a pro athlete 
. It just shows that if u stay focused & committed, u can achieve ur dreams 
! Go Pats!!! 
. I love how his teammates appreciate his work ethic, it shows you don't need all the flashy contracts to be a great player 
. Bring on the Super Bowl! 
... I mean, can we even talk about how crazy Spillane's story is? He was literally cut by the coach who thought he had potential in him... and now here he is leading his team to the Super Bowl 
maybe Spillane really wasn't good enough back then... but it's clear that he's been working hard to prove himself and now he's reaping the rewards 
- leadership skills, top-notch instincts on the field... this guy's got it all 
. Spillane's optimism about playin' in the Super Bowl is well-deserved, and I'm lovin' the vibe of forgiveness and trust in their relationship 
. The Patriots are lucky to have him on their team, and we can't wait to see what he brings to the table 
. Spillane's story reminds us that it's never too late to achieve our dreams, and sometimes all it takes is one person believing in us 
.
What did he do differently that made Vrabel see him as a starter now? 
️ The Patriots' defense has been doing so well this season, and it's all thanks to Spillane's leadership. 
8th place in the league? That's impressive! 
like its some kinda joke. spillane's "relentless dedication" is just code for "he was lucky". ppl r saying he's the go-to guy now, but what happened to guys who actually worked hard & got cut twice? does he deserve that contract 8 yrs/$33m just 'cause he was given a second chance? 
Robert Spillane's story is a true testament to hard work & perseverance!!! 
. Either way, I'm rooting for Spillane and the Patriots 
. I'm rooting for him to bring home that Super Bowl ring! 
i love how his teammates appreciate him for who he is, not just because of the money he brings to the table it shows that the pats value heart over hype and thats what makes them such a great team 
this guy's story is so inspiring! Robert Spillane's journey from being cut by his beloved coach Mike Vrabel to becoming the team captain and Super Bowl starter is truly a testament to perseverance and hard work 
. and now he gets to lead his team into the biggest game of the year 
no surprise there, he's clearly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches alike 