Patriots’ defensive star took Mike Vrabel’s pre-game message to heart in playoff win
FOXBORO — Milton Williams had one more hit in him after the Patriots’ 16-3 playoff stomping of the Chargers.
The Patriots’ high-priced defensive tackle delivered his last blow of the night to head coach Mike Vrabel, headbutting him — helmet on and everything — on the sideline. Vrabel was left with a bloodied lip.
OUR COACH. pic.twitter.com/IUObIvQRL6
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 12, 2026
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“Man I was just turnt,” Williams said after the game. “That was just pure emotion. I think I headbutted everybody but I forgot Vrabes didn’t have no helmet on.”
It was partially Vrabel’s fault. It was fitting, given the message the Patriots head coach delivered to his defense before the game.
“We talked to them about being willing to spill some blood out there, that the big dogs come out in January,” Vrabel said after the game. “I think Milt took that to heart in the way that he played the game, in the way he finished the game. He came over and got me pretty good. That’s what happens.”
Williams proved worthy of his four-year, $104 million contract Sunday, sacking Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert twice, including taking down the two-time Pro Bowler on fourth down with under two minutes left to seal the game.
Overall, the Patriots’ defense came away with six sacks and a fumble recovery while allowing just 207 net yards. Herbert netted just 120 passing yards, and Chargers running backs averaged just 2.5 yards per carry.
