Mike Vrabel spoke publicly on Wednesday for the first time since his controversial absence during Day 3 of the NFL Draft, making it clear that he does not regret stepping away during what he described as a difficult personal period tied to the ongoing photo controversy involving former reporter Dianna Russini.
Vrabel had previously explained that his absence was related to private matters and the beginning of an emotional support and counseling process — steps he considers essential to becoming the best version of himself for both his family and the New England Patriots organization.
“Really good. I appreciate that my family is great. I love Jen [Vrabel], I love the boys, I love my personal friends,” Vrabel said when asked how he has managed the balance between football and his personal life amid intense media scrutiny.
However, the Patriots head coach quickly shifted the focus back to football. New England is currently entering the sixth week of its voluntary offseason program and continuing Organized Team Activities (OTAs).
When pressed about whether he could miss more time with the team in the future, Vrabel chose not to speculate.
“I can’t tell you anything other than I’m going to be out there today in full force,” Vrabel said. “So I’m going to focus on today and the excitement that we’ve had and that we’ve built so far.”
Behind the distraction
The controversy surrounding Vrabel escalated in April after photos surfaced showing him alongside Russini at an Arizona resort shortly before the NFL’s annual league meetings. Both are married to other people.
Following the public backlash — and additional leaked photos that reportedly spanned multiple years — Russini officially resigned from her position at The Athletic on April 14.
