Mike Vrabel is more than a Super Bowl-winning NFL player and head coach — he’s also a devoted husband, father, and family man. In this SEO‑optimized, in‑depth article, we explore the life of Mike Vrabel’s wife, Jen Vrabel. Learn about how they met, her personal background, family life, and her influential but private role off the football field.
Who Is Mike Vrabel?
Before we explore his personal life, here’s a snapshot of who Mike Vrabel is professionally:
- Full Name: Michael George Vrabel
- Born: August 14, 1975
- NFL Career: Linebacker (Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs) — three Super Bowls with the Patriots
- Coaching: Head coach of the Tennessee Titans (2018–2023); New England Patriots head coach since 2025
- Philanthropy: Founded “Mike’s Second and Seven Foundation” to promote literacy in Ohio
But behind the celebrated coach stands his long‑time partner and wife — Jennifer “Jen” Vrabel.
Early Life of Mike Vrabel’s Wife — Jen Vrabel
College Years
Jen Vrabel (née Clark, and also referenced as Jen Boleyn in some sources) attended Ohio State University, the same school where Mike Vrabel played college football. While Mike excelled on the gridiron, Jen was a student‑athlete on the volleyball team during her time there.
Quick Facts About Jen’s College Days:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Ohio State University |
| Sport | Volleyball |
| Degree | Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene (1998) |
| Athletic Honors | Part of successful high school and college volleyball teams |
| Met Mike | In a class at OSU |
According to various reports, Jen was notable for her volleyball success in high school and college — showing discipline that would serve her well later in family life.
College Sweethearts
Mike and Jen met at Ohio State University while both were student‑athletes. The story of how they began dating has become a favorite anecdote among fans:
- They shared a class together as freshmen, where Jen first noticed Mike.
- She was reportedly charmed by his personality, humor, and athletic presence.
- Jen even asked their professor for Mike’s phone number — a bold move that led to their first conversation.
- Their connection grew stronger over time, and after dating during their college years, they eventually married in 1999.
This origin story reflects authentic connection and shared life goals — not just a celebrity pairing.
Marriage & Family
Married Since 1999
Mike and Jen Vrabel tied the knot in 1999, shortly after Jen finished her degree and just as Mike’s NFL career was taking off.
This means the couple has been together for over 25 years, a notable milestone in both professional sports and personal life.
Their Children
The Vrabels are proud parents of two sons, both of whom have pursued sports:
| Son | Born | Sport | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Vrabel | 2000 | Football | Played at Boston College and later signed with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad. |
| Carter Vrabel | 2001 | Baseball | Played baseball at Wabash Valley College and Tennessee Tech. |
Mike has shared candid moments about fatherhood — including missing Carter’s birth due to a practice session — illustrating the real challenges NFL families face with demanding schedules.
Jen Vrabel’s Personal and Professional Life
Career Before Family
After graduating in 1998, Jen worked as a dental hygienist and dental assistant until the birth of their first child.
Though her career shifted toward family and support for Mike’s professional journey, her early professional background highlights her commitment to education and care.
Family Life and Support
Jen has been described as:
- A steadfast supporter of Mike’s career from his NFL Draft to coaching roles.
- A figure of stable family life, managing the home front during demanding seasons and relocations.
- A private person, preferring to focus on her family rather than public attention.
Her influence isn’t often highlighted in media, but she plays a crucial role in maintaining equilibrium in the Vrabel household — something that often gets overlooked in athlete biographies.
Life on the Move: NFL Family Challenges
Being an NFL family comes with frequent moves and lifestyle adjustments. The Vrabels have lived in:
- Pittsburgh, PA (Steelers era)
- Massachusetts (Patriots)
- Houston, TX (Coaching)
- Nashville, TN (Titans era)
- Back to Massachusetts (Patriots coaching)
Throughout these relocations, Jen’s support — particularly in preserving family consistency and stability — has been essential.
Why Jen Vrabel’s Story Matters
Influence Beyond the Field
Jen may not be a household name like her husband, but her role contains several elements of strength and quiet leadership:
- Supports demanding career through personal sacrifice
- Prioritizes family stability and growth
- Manages multiple relocations with grace
- Raises two athletic children with strong values
In many ways, she’s emblematic of the behind‑the‑scenes partners who help elite performers maintain balance and focus.
FAQs
Who is Mike Vrabel’s wife?
Mike Vrabel’s wife is Jen Vrabel (née Clark), his college sweetheart from Ohio State University. She was a volleyball player and later worked in dental hygiene before starting her family. :
How long have Mike and Jen been married?
They married in 1999, marking more than two decades as a couple
Do Mike and Jen have children?
Yes — they have two sons: Tyler and Carter, both of whom have been involved in sports.
Does Jen Vrabel work outside the home now?
While she worked as a dental hygienist earlier in life, her focus in recent years has largely been on family and supporting Mike’s NFL journey.
Where did they meet?
They met at Ohio State University as students while both were collegiate athletes.
Is Jen active on social media?
Jen Vrabel maintains a relatively private lifestyle and doesn’t seek frequent public attention, preferring family life.
Conclusion
Mike Vrabel’s success on the football field is well‑documented — but his long‑lasting marriage to Jen Vrabel reveals a more personal side of this NFL figure. Their relationship, rooted in college beginnings, has withstood the test of decades, career moves, and the high stakes of professional sports.
Jen’s journey from college athlete to essential family anchor shows us that the people behind the headlines are often the unsung heroes of remarkable careers.
