CLEVELAND — It is a historic moment for Walsh Jesuit High School as they retire Mike Vrabel’s jersey, making him the first person to receive this honor. Vrabel, a former NFL player and head football coach, began his career as a kid from northeast Ohio. Walsh Jesuit’s athletic director, Mark Hassan, said they’ve been wanting to retire his jersey for years.

“This is long overdue to retire his number,” Hassman said. 

Vrabel graduated from Walsh Jesuit in 1993. He continued his football career at Ohio State and then took his talents to the NFL. After he retired, he got into coaching. Vrabel currently is a consultant for the Cleveland Browns. Hassman explained Vrabel’s legacy lives on at Walsh Jesuit High School.

“Mike Vrabel Is probably the epitome of what we are at Walsh Jesuit High School,” Hassman said.

Vrabel’s former high school football coach, Gerry Rardin, expressed the type of person and player Vrabel is.

“I think what sets him apart is he’s a really, he’s a good person. He cares about the people he works with and he treats them all well and I think people feel that immediately,” Rardin said. 

Vrabel nominated Coach Rardin for the NFL’s High School Football Coach of the Year back in 2000. Rardin said that Vrabel is one of the most respected people in the NFL. Vrabel’s former math teacher, Jane Rafferty, explained the type of kid Vrabel was back in high school.

“He carried himself very well. He didn’t walk around the building like ‘look at me, I’m so fabulous’. He was a fabulous young man,” Rafferty said.

Vrabel’s jersey number will hang on the press box of the football field and Coach Radin explained that he hopes it serves as a reminder to students.

“You need to have a little bit of talent, but I’ll tell you it’s what’s in your heart and how much you’re willing to work. That really makes a huge difference,” Rardin said.

Walsh Jesuit is set to honor Vrabel at their game Friday against St. Ignatius.