Dan Koppen isn't originally from New England, but thanks to his time with Boston College and the Patriots, he's a football legend in the region.
Now, he's also making an impact here at the high school level.
The former Patriots center was named the new head coach of the La Salle Academy football team in February, taking over the program this winter. As his student athletes get ready for their upcoming season, Koppen brought his Rams back to his old stomping grounds to see how business is handled in the NFL and to get some advice from another first-year new coach.
The trip to Gillette Stadium to take in a Patriots training camp practice Monday some time with head coach Mike Vrabel, who Koppen overlapped in New England with from 2003 to 2008.
"So when you guys get to training camp with coach Koppen build a team, earn a role, and then prepare to win," said Vrabel while addressing the Providence, Rhode Island, high schoolers after practice -- the same camp objectives he gave to reporters last week.
"I wish you guys the best of luck. .. You guys have a hell of a staff and take care of your football team. That's the most important thing you can do."
Vrabel posed for a group photo with Koppen and his team before heading back into the stadium to keep working.
With the Patriots putting on pads for the first time all summer, it was the perfect practice for Koppen to bring his team along with him to camp.
At La Salle, the two-time Super Bowl champion will look to bring more football success to New England and further cement his legacy in the region.
