‘Sore loser’ – NFL fans tear into Mike Vrabel after what he did following Patriots loss

The Seattle Seahawks got their 2026 season underway with another victory over Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots .

Months on from their Super Bowl in Santa Clara, it was another win for Mike Macdonald over Vrabel, with fans believing they noticed something distasteful between the two after the game.

It is routine for the two head coaches and quarterbacks to sprint into the middle of the field at the end of the game to shake hands.

However, there were a number of NFL fans watching the opening game of the season who felt that Vrabel ran straight towards the locker room.

The broadcast did appear to show Vrabel avoid the field after the game ended following Drake Maye 's third interception, with fans coming down heavily on the Patriots HC.

NFL fans criticise Patriots HC Mike Vrabel for avoiding Mike Macdonald handshake

Despite playing almost the entire game without Sam Darnold at quarterback, the Seahawks managed to find a way to come out of Week One with a win.

It would be fair to say that Macdonald has Vrabel's number following back-to-back victories over the 51-year-old.

To not shake Macdonald's hand, which many feel Vrabel avoided, has naturally not gone down well online.

'Wait… did Vrabel just walk off the field without shaking hands? Am I tripping?' said one fan on X after the game ended.

'Did Macdonald and Vrabel shake hands or did Vrabel just run off? Lol,' another fan questioned.

Although there does not appear to be any conclusive answer, the broadcast footage certainly made it look like Vrabel ran in the opposite direction to Macdonald.

One fan took to X and said: 'Did Vrabel not shake hands??'

'I thought I saw the same thing. He was in that tunnel too fast to have,' another fan replied.

It has not been a quiet offseason of preparation for Vrabel, who has been battling the allegations with Dianna Russini.

He has not done himself any favours here, though.

'Did Vrabel not shake Macdonald Seahawks hand? Sure looked like it.. sore loser..' added another NFL fan online.

'Did Vrabel even shake Macdonald's hand. I thought I saw him with his tail tucked leading the pack to the locker room before the clock even said 0. Did I see it wrong?!' said another.