League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Mike Vrabel maintains challenge flag role during Patriots' preseason game vs. Colts

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 4:28 AM

Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Mike Vrabel maintains challenge flag role during Patriots' preseason game vs. Colts

Summary

During a preseason game against the Colts on August 14, 2026, the New England Patriots' coach Mike Vrabel chose to maintain responsibility for the challenge flag. The game ended in a 13-13 tie, but Vrabel's decision to throw the flag high in the air rather than delegate the task drew attention. After the game, he expressed his intention to continue managing challenge decisions personally, despite a new NFL rule allowing head coaches to designate someone else to throw the flag. This rule is aimed at improving efficiency during games by allowing an assistant to quickly enact a challenge.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•The Patriots and Colts preseason game ended in a 13-13 tie.
•Vrabel threw the challenge flag himself instead of delegating.
•The NFL introduced a rule change for challenge flags in 2026.
•The new rule allows head coaches to choose someone else to throw the flag.
•Vrabel voiced his intent to keep challenge responsibilities personally.

Latest Updates

4:28 AMYahoo Sports — Patriots’ Mike Vrabel Refuses to Give Up Major Head-Coaching Responsibility Despite NFL Rule Change

What they're saying

"
The Patriots’ preseason game against the Colts ended 13-13, but Mike Vrabel’s moment with the challenge flag raised questions about his 2026 season approach. During the game, Vrabel, instead of simply tossing the red flag, threw it high into the air with a big arc, keeping the challenge flag responsibility to himself.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Denver Broncos New England Patriots NFL Football