In a surprising revelation on a recent episode of “The Dan Patrick Show,” former New England Patriots cornerback Ty Law disclosed that several players on the team would indulge in whiskey-drinking sessions before practices during the early 2000’s.
When asked by Patrick if he had ever consumed any alcoholic beverages before or during an NFL game, Law provided a candid response, saying: “No, we did it in practice.”
The Hall of Famer went on to reveal that former Patriots linebacker (and current free agent head coach) Mike Vrabel was the catalyst for this unconventional pre-practice ritual.
“Mike Vrabel used to have the flask, so we’d all go to Vrabel and hit the flask – He had some whiskey or something … I was a coffee guy,” Law said.
Hall of Famer Ty Law told us that he and other #Patriots players would drink whiskey out of Mike Vrabel's flask for practices. pic.twitter.com/d7hgMXNXBP
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) January 22, 2024
Patrick, understandably intrigued, pressed further on the details of Vrabel’s flask and its influence on the team’s dynamics during practices.
“He had everybody else getting a flask,” Law continued.
“Back then, we used to have to drive to practice. That was before the beautiful Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. We had to get in our car and drive over with shoulder pads. We were taking drinks in the car. It was going down on that little five-minute drive, especially when it was cold outside,” he added.
And they won championships while doing it.
So I would say it helped!
— NFLComedySkits (@NFLComedySkits) January 23, 2024
Despite the unorthodox pre-practice routine, Law emphasized that the team’s success during that era was not compromised.
In fact, during Law’s tenure with the Patriots from 1995 to 2004, the team won three Super Bowl titles, solidifying their dominance and starting up what would come to be known as the greatest dynasty in NFL history.
Gimmie that Goal Line Stand game IN Indy 2003🤘 Peyton had 4 downs to go 3 yards 🤣🤣
Big Willy with a game saving stop on Edge James
Bonus
Youth need to check out @CoachVrabel50 highlights
Especially his TD catches 🤣🤣— Sedative (@CidsPitt) November 19, 2022
Law, a standout defensive player, also experienced individual success, earning Pro Bowl honors four times during his stint in New England.
Best defense of the Belichick era!
— Boston Cream 🍩 (@itsbostoncream) September 23, 2023
Drinking whiskey before football practice is a unique method – but one that’s not always recommended.
Having said that, it apparently worked just fine for Vrabel and company.
Speaking of Vrabel, what are your thoughts on him as a head coach?
Where do you think he will end up???