New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel introduced the idea of “game captains” in 2025.
It’s something of a tool, which allows him to recognize the efforts of players who might not necessarily receive the same spotlight as their teammates or have gone above and beyond leading up to individual games.
Rhamondre Stevenson deservedly received the chance for his strong end-of-season stretch in Week 18. K’Lavon Chaisson, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins and Carlton Davis III received the nod against their former teams in Week 1, 5, 9 and 10, respectively. Jahlani Tavai was recognized after returning following a tumultuous stretch in his personal life in Week 13.
Anfernee Jennings will receive the nod in the AFC Championship on Sunday.
“(Jennings) is gonna be a game captain and that’s deservedly so,” Vrabel announced on Friday, per team-provided video. “… The professionalism that he has shown throughout this entire season, I appreciate it. I appreciate him taking advantage of his opportunities — playing physical, playing on special teams, finding a role.
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“It was an easy pick for me this week.”
Jennings has been tremendous lately, helping fill in for the injured Harold Landry III and compiling 3.0 sacks, 5.0 tackles for loss and six quarterback hits across the last five games against the Baltimore Ravens,. New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans.
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New England wasn’t even sure if it wanted this guy on the roster, either, as reports have stated that he was on the trading block for several weeks before eventually sticking around due to his contract — which is a bullet dodges, if you ask me.
Jennings will now be put in the biggest position of his career, as he’ll be the primary person tasked with replacing Landry against the Denver Broncos — all with a trip to Super Bowl LX on the line.
It’s a pressure-packed position, but one that is well deserved.
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Featured image via Peter van den Berg/Imagn Images
