Jimmy G comes through when it counts

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel was pacing on his cell phone with tears in his eyes outside the Biltmore hotel in Phoenix on March 27. Inside the bland-looking hallways and meeting rooms, all the important members of the NFL and media were attending the 2023 NFL Annual League Meeting.

It was a meaningless gathering compared to what had happened earlier that day in Nashville. Less than a mile from Vrabel’s home, an armed assailant breached the campus of the Covenant School and killed three students, each only 9 years old. Three staff members also died. The shooter, Audrey Hale, ‌a 28-year-old former student of the school who lived in the area‌ and was being treated for an emotional disorder, was killed by the police a few minutes after they arrived at the scene.

When news of the shooting spread, Vrabel was getting ready to walk into the meeting of the league’s Competition Committee meeting, which Vrabel has been a part of for three years. He immediately messaged Titans officials to find a way to let the Nashville Police Department and the Covenant school know the Tennessee Titans wanted to show support and love any way possible.

The next day, Vrabel had five phone numbers sent to him. They belonged to the officers who entered the building and saved the lives of dozens: Officer Rex Engelbert, Detective, Michael Collazo, Sergeant Jeff Mathes, Detective Ryan Cagle, and Detective Zachary Plese.

Vrabel’s first call was to Collazo. He was one of the officers who shot the assailant.

“We talked for a while and he told us that the Titans will support us in any way,” Collazo explained. “He actually takes the time to text me from time to time still. The days after there was an outpour of support from all over, but only a few stayed in touch. Coach still does.”

Vrabel and the Titans discussed the heroics of the Nashville police officers in their team meeting Saturday night before today’s clash with the Chargers. His message to the team, looking to get its first win, was that when called upon, these men didn’t hesitate. They were scared, they had emotions, but they relied on their training and preparations. Vrabel wants his team to learn from their teamwork mentality.

The five officers will be at Nissan Stadium during the pregame Sunday to serve as the “Honorary 12th Titan” and be introduced to the crowd.

Cold-calling police officers who risked their lives could be difficult for some people. Figuring out the right words, the appropriate tone and the polite questions is not easy. It never crossed the 48-year-old Vrabel’s mind.

“This was about listening and telling them we care,” he said. “It was acknowledging their teamwork and bravery. Their courage was admirable in a horrible, gut-wrenching situation. Their actions will inspire other people if they are ever in the same scenario. They were all emotional, as was I … I remember one of the officers repeatedly saying to me, ‘Coach I’m not a hero, I just wanted to get home to my daughter.'”