MIAMI (Reuters) - Three-time Super Bowl-winning offensive linebacker Mike Vrabel announced on Monday he was retiring from the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs to join the coaching staff of Ohio State University.
Vrabel, a 2007 Pro Bowl selection, was taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a third round pick in the 1997 draft after impressing with Ohio State and went on to enjoy Super Bowl success with the New England Patriots between 2001 and 2008.
He ended his career with two seasons at the Chiefs whose general manager Scott Pioli paid tribute to him on Monday.
"His genuine love for the game, his preparation, his work ethic, leadership and dependability are qualities you want from every player," Pioli said in a statement.
"He is a champion in every sense of the word and I'm confident all of these qualities will make him a great coach. I cannot overstate my respect for him as a person and a football player."
However, Vrabel will be best remembered for his on-field contributions with the Patriots and New England's chief executive Robert Kraft described him as a "key contributor" during the team's era of domination.
"His performance in Super Bowl XXXVIII was MVP worthy and his touchdowns in back-to-back Super Bowls helped us win three championships in four years," Kraft added.
"During his Patriots career, there was no player more respected for his football intellect and revered for his leadership by his team mates than Mike."
Vrabel, 35, was a two-time All-American and two-time Big Ten Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year at Ohio State where he will be an assistant coach.
(Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)
