Christian Gonzalez Doesn't Leave A Good Impression On Vrabel

By Steve Atkinson

Christian Gonzalez has been out since the end of July with a hamstring injury. Gonzalez, who really is the Patriots’ best player defensively, is missed in the secondary. There is a gaping hole with Gonzalez out, and it seemed like he had a setback, and which is the reason he’s been out. Wednesday was the first time we’ve seen him out in practice, and Vrabel didn’t sound too pleased when asked about Gonzalez’s status.

Mike Vrabel Isn’t Pleased With Christian Gonzalez

When asked about whether Gonzalez would be a practice on Wednesday, Vrabel’s response was

I would expect him to do some stuff today at practice.

That tells me they expected him out there yesterday to get on the field and get some reps in. When asked if we’ll see him out on the field on Sunday, Vrabel responded.

Sure

The context of that answer “sure” was “sure when pigs fly.” Meaning that he’s so pissed about how this injury has played out that he’ll most likely not he’ll play on Sunday.

When asked how Gonzalez is mentally, Vrabel responded

I don’t know. The locker room will be open in five minutes; you’ll be able to ask him. I’m not going to speak for his mindset. I mean, if you asked me about anybody’s mindset right now, I’d say you just feel free to ask them. They’ll tell you exactly what they’re thinking.

Vrabel is so done with the attitude of Christian Gonzalez not wanting to get back right away. Gonzalez likes to take the easy way out, and that goes back to his college days.

Mike Tomlin Didn’t Like The Attitude Of Christian Gonzalez

Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Steelers, who the Patriots play this Sunday, wasn’t too pleased with Gonzalez’s answer as to why he transferred schools. This is from a SI story in 2023

When visiting the facility, Mike Tomlin inquired about why the breakout junior transferred to Oregon after beginning his career with Colorado. Gonzalez explained that he was simply following his position coach to his new school. Tomlin was hoping to hear him say something along the lines of facing better competition, but was left underwhelmed by Gonzalez’s answer.

Later that day, Tomlin was then heard telling one of the Steelers stars, Minkah Fitzpatrick, that he didn’t think Gonzalez had the “competitive edge” and that they wouldn’t be seeing him again.

On Good Morning Football on Tuesday, Gonzalez was asked about his status. This was his answer.

We’re just going day-by-day. Taking it a step at a time,” Gonzalez said. “Just being in the building, sitting in the meetings, doing what I can. It’s been stressful, but it’s all for a reason.”

Before he said “stressful,” he said it’s been fun, then caught himself and said it’s been stressful. I think he got a setback, but I also think he hasn’t really pushed hard enough to get back on the field. I think he’s lazy and does the bare minimum after listening to the tone of Vrabel discuss the injury. It’s almost like he’s had it with Gonzalez.