40 Years of Verbs: Ivy Defensive Players of the Year
8/27/2025
In his 39 years at Princeton, coach Steve Verbit has been on the staff for five Ivy League Defensive Players of the Years. Here, some of those iconic players share their thoughts and memories of Verbs.
On behalf of the entire 1995 Championship Team, we extend our deepest congratulations to Coach Verbit on an extraordinary milestone—40 years of dedicated service to Princeton Football. Your legacy is written not only in wins and championships, but in the tradition of excellence you’ve helped build. Thank you!
Favorite Memory: Timmy Greene was taping up Mark Whalings' jersey sleeves (Whales like to make his biceps look bigger) and Verbs started yelling about it. 'We got a bunch of guys lookin' in the mirror before football games. Lookin' good ain't playin' good! LOOKING GOOD IS MAKING FOOTBALL PLAYS!!!' We use that quote to this day. A classic!
David Patterson ‘96
As a coach, Verbit always pushed us to play fast and without hesitation. Getting the “Verbit stamp of approval” after a big hit or blowing up a block was always one of the best feelings. Since graduation, he’s been the glue connecting generations of Princeton Football—helping me and my teammates build relationships with players going all the way back to the 1960s. That bond is what makes the Princeton football brotherhood so special, and Verbit has played a huge role in keeping it alive.
Favorite Memory: I still remember Coach Verbit approaching me in the weight room after my sophomore year, when I was playing defensive back, and telling me they were moving me to linebacker. That spring, I was often out of position, but he just kept encouraging me to play as fast and as physical as possible. That permission to make mistakes gave me the confidence I needed to get comfortable—and ultimately thrive—in that new role.
Mike Zeuli '15
Coach Verbs was one of the craziest, most genuine and caring coaches I’ve ever had. I have gems on gems as far as memories of Coach Verbs!
We all know Coach Verbs is a very passionate man and loves to make players better by getting under their skin whichever way he can. It was all out of love and you should have been concerned if he wasn’t picking on you, honestly.
Coach Verbs helped make my career an extremely blessed one. I was able to win three Ivy League championships and a Bushnell Cup due to his coaching!! Love you Coach Verbs!!
Jeremiah Tyler '22
Coach Verbs’s impact on Princeton football is profound. Among many other titles, he is a one of a kind coach, mentor, alumni relations facilitator, and friend to anyone who shares his love for football. He is the backbone of our program and our community.
During my time at Princeton, what I thought was most impressive was his ability to adapt to unique challenges and situations. His leadership changed year to year as players changed. His coaching adapted to the strengths of each defense. Although notably headstrong, he has never been afraid to change, which is the strongest trait of leadership. Coach Verbs is incredibly strong-willed and definitely not an “excuses” guy.
Favorite Memory: During my junior year against Dartmouth, Verbs ventured up to the booth to call the plays with the flu. Some may even say he takes it too far, riding the elliptical with no headphones staring at the wall. But others who know him would just call it maintaining high standards, which he does and has done with everyone around him for forty years. I am proud to share a small moment in his coaching career and am proud to call him a friend and a mentor. Love you, coach!"
Liam Johnson '24
