The largest turnout of Catholic Business League members and guests turned out last Thursday to hear new Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel tell the story of his faith and its power in his and his family’s life.

More than 150 people jammed the Fleming Center at The Cathedral—despite the early 7:00 a.m. start—to meet Coach Vrabel, and his presence, both physically and emotionally, was powerful.   Coach talked about the move to Nashville, how welcoming it has been, how important it has been to feel a part of the community and to be engaged in the Catholic community here.  He and his wife, Jen, are the parents of a Father Ryan junior and a soon-to-be Boston College freshman, and he talked about the importance of Catholic education.

“When my wife and I met at Ohio State, she was the one who awakened my faith,” he said.  “I went to Catholic high schools and was raised Catholic, but I was always focused on athletics.  She was at the OSU Newman Center every Sunday at Mass, and I realized that if I was going to get to know her, I was going to be at Mass too.  You learn that when you love someone, you love what they love.”

He talked about how that faith has guided them as parents.  “We raised them with the Catholic faith as an active part of their lives, and we are confident that my college freshman and my high schooler will make the right decisions and the right choices because of what their faith provides them.”

He spoke of influences in their various cities, of Fr. Ed and Sr. Bernadette and their roles in the family’s life.  And he talked about how his faith has helped him as an athlete.  “When I was new to the NFL, I relied on my faith to get through the drills, the challenges, the demands and the opportunities,” he stated. “As things got better and success on the field followed, it was our faith that kept me grounded, to stay  mindful of what the Lord provides. And to always take the opportunity to help others and be a part of the community.”

While the questions from the audience touched on football and the coming season, his message was simple.  “I rely on the Lord to help me every day. To handle stress and to manage my day. I’ve been blessed to be in the position I’m in and I’m in a very competitive business. But it’s important for me to be part of my faith. Whether Catholic or another faith, we’re all trying to do the right thing, to be respectful of each other , to make time and be a part of our families and our lives.”