The New England Patriots confirmed Thursday they “fully support” head coach Mike Vrabel’s decision to enter professional counseling, a move that will see the second-year coach absent from the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The organization’s stance, released in a formal statement, emphasizes Vrabel’s prioritization of his family and personal well-being following a week of intense media scrutiny. While Vrabel is expected to remain in the draft room for the first round Thursday night—where New England holds the No. 31 overall pick—Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf will lead the war room during the draft’s conclusion on Saturday.
“Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team, and our fans,” the Patriots stated. The front office added that draft evaluations are complete and the personnel staff is prepared to execute the remaining rounds in Vrabel’s absence.
The controversy intensified Thursday morning when Page Six published a secondary cache of “incriminating” photos dating back to 2020. The images allegedly show Vrabel and former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini, 43, sharing a kiss at a New York City bar. In one photograph, Vrabel is seen wearing his wedding ring while his hand rests on Russini’s thigh.
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This latest leak follows an earlier report featuring the pair at an Arizona resort. While both parties initially issued denials through representatives in early April, the mounting visual evidence has shifted the narrative from rumor to a significant organizational distraction.
The fallout has already impacted the media landscape. Russini resigned from The Athletic on April 14, just days after the publication—owned by The New York Times—launched an internal investigation into the matter.
Vrabel, 50, first announced his intention to seek counseling on Wednesday, citing a need to address the “media firestorm” and repair his domestic life with his wife, Jen, and their two sons. Despite the personal turmoil, the Patriots’ leadership maintains that the coaching transition for the final rounds of the draft will be seamless.
