Gabe Jacas, the Patriots' rookie outside linebacker, has been on the receiving end of some good-natured teasing from head coach Mike Vrabel in team meetings.
Veteran defensive tackle Milton Williams revealed that Jacas has been called to the front of the room multiple times, where he's been asked to announce his name, school, signing bonus, and name, image, and likeness earnings. Williams joked that the team booed Jacas four times before finally giving him a round of applause.
Jacas himself downplayed the experience, saying, "Just catching me up and bring me up front of the room. Just tell them my name, school, signing bonus, NIL, and just having to come up with a song or joke." He admitted that he's not the best jokester, but he's trying his best.
Despite the lighthearted teasing, Jacas seems to be enjoying his time working with Vrabel, who has been seen doing one-on-one work with the rookie during training camp. "You can tell Vrabel's a very hands-on coach," Jacas said.
Vrabel himself was complimentary of Jacas, saying, "I'd say he's working hard. I think he's into it. He's trying to learn, he's focused." The head coach noted that many of the things Jacas is learning are new to him, and that he's done a good job of controlling what he can control.
It's clear that Vrabel is taking a hands-on approach with his young outside linebacker, and that Jacas is appreciative of the extra attention. As for the teasing, it seems to be all in good fun – after all, as Jacas joked, "I'm not the best jokester, but I try my best."
The Patriots are off to a good start this season, and it will be interesting to see how Jacas continues to develop under Vrabel's guidance. With his rookie season just getting underway, Jacas has plenty of opportunities to make an impact on the team – and to come up with some better jokes to boot.
Source: Yahoo Sports