The Patriots kick off the Mike Vrabel era in July 2025 by revealing the return of their red throwback uniforms. See when they'll wear them and Vrabel's plan.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the buzz for the start of Patriots training camp couldn't get any louder, the team dropped a bombshell of nostalgia on Tuesday. The iconic red 'Pat Patriot' throwback uniforms are officially back for two games in 2025, sending a jolt of energy through a fanbase eager for a new era to begin under Head Coach Mike Vrabel.
I've found that consistency usually is the best.
The Patriots announced the fan-favorite red jerseys and white helmets will be worn for two 'Throwback Bouts' this season: Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers and a Week 13 Monday Night Football showdown with the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium. While the look is a certified winner, the results haven't been. Since their return in 2022, the team has a dismal 1-5 record while wearing them. Fans are hoping the new coaching staff can reverse that curse and associate the classic look with winning once again.
While fans celebrated the uniform news, new Head Coach Mike Vrabel was all business in his first training camp press conference. He set a clear, no-nonsense tone for the 91 players reporting to camp. 'I've found that consistency usually is the best,' Vrabel stated, emphasizing that while the team performed well in conditioning tests, the real evaluation begins when the pads come on. His focus is squarely on building a tough, physical team, a message that signals a significant cultural shift in Foxboro.
On the field, the most crucial storyline of the summer is already underway: the quarterback competition. Rookie Drake Maye and veteran Jacoby Brissett began their battle for the starting job, with early reports suggesting Maye is already showing promise under the guidance of returning offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. But the QB spot isn't the only one up for grabs. Observers noted intense competition at tight end and in the defensive backfield, with a heavy emphasis on creating turnovers—a hallmark of Vrabel's defensive philosophy.
The throwback uniforms provide a fun backdrop, but the real story is the foundation being laid by Mike Vrabel. With a new philosophy in place and key position battles heating up, the Patriots' 2025 season truly begins now. The coming days will be crucial in seeing who rises to Vrabel's challenge and who will be under center when the season kicks off in September. The talk is over; the grind has begun.
