Titans’ Mike Vrabel isn’t high on his chances to win celebrity golf tournament
3 min readBy: Mike Moraitis
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel will be competing in the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe this weekend, a celebrity golf tournament he has taken part in twice before.
Vrabel, who is considered a longshot to win the event that features 90 sports and entertainment celebrities, posted scores of 84, 91, and 88 over the three rounds in 2020.
According to Jim Wyatt of Titans Online, Vrabel thinks he should be an even bigger longshot than he already is, but is looking forward to the event in which he placed 42nd in last year.
“I’d say (my odds are) more than that,” Vrabel said. “I think we all go out there for one reason, and that’s the American Century Classic, is to be around the families. That’s the thing I noticed was to be around family and also other great athletes and people that really let their guard down, relax, have a good time, enjoy some unbelievable conditions and unbelievable golf course.
“That’s really why I’m going out there. And I’m going to make a couple of birdies and a ton of double bogeys and that’s just how it’s going to be. I’m going to have good times along the way, I know that.”
Despite playing and coaching in front of massive crowds during his stint in the NFL, Vrabel still feels nerves during this particular tournament.
“It’s like anything else that we’re not a professional at, that somebody’s coming in there, and you’re going to spray some in the gallery and yell fore a couple of times and watch them dive for cover,” Vrabel said. “There’s some nerve‑racking things.”
As far as good golfers on the Titans are concerned, Vrabel pointed to punter Brett Kern as one of the best.
“Obviously, our punter is an excellent Pro Bowl punter, but those guys have a lot of time on their hands and they’re usually good golfers. Brett Kern is a very good golfer,” Vrabel said.
“And there’s a sprinkling of guys that do play, and I think it’s a great way to get out to do something other than be at practice or be at work but also be with teammates and laugh and try not to take yourself too seriously.”
Last year’s winner, former professional tennis player, Mardy Fish, will be looking to defend his crown in 2021. The winner from the previous two years before that, former NFL quarterback, Tony Romo, will also be a favorite.
NBCSN will have coverage of the event on Friday starting at 5 p.m. ET, with NBC picking up the coverage for the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday, both beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET.
