New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has confirmed he will be missing the third day of the 2026 NFL Draft to enter counseling amidst the scandal involving himself and Dianna Russini
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| Mike Vrabel recently addressed reporters following the scandal involving himself and Dianna Russini(Image: Getty Images) |
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will not be with the team on the third day of the 2026 NFL Draft, after he confirmed he would begin counseling this weekend.
While the 2026 draft is set to begin on Thursday night, the NFL headlines continue to be dominated by the fallout of the scandal involving Vrabel and former Athletic insider Dianna Russini after the pair were pictured together at an adults-only resort in Sedona, Arizona.
Both Vrabel and Russini, who resigned from her role with the Athletic, denied any wrongdoing. However, new photos of the pair dining together have since emerged, contradicting their initial denials. Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, Vrabel met with media to speak with reporters, admitting he had held some "difficult conversations."
Heading into the draft in Pittsburgh, Vrabel has also confirmed he will not be with the Patriots on Saturday, the third and final day, after he said he would be entering counseling this weekend.
"As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend," Vrabel said.
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| New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was seen with a top NFL reporter(Image: Getty) |
"This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them."
Vrabel also confirmed that he had spoken to Patriots players earlier this week after they arrived for the start of New England's offseason program.
Two players had been scheduled to speak to reporters on Tuesday, but Vrabel said he wanted to speak to the media first.
"We believe in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me," said Vrabel. "That starts with me."
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| New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was seen with a top NFL reporter(Image: Getty) |
The Patriots head coach also stressed that he wanted to speak to reporters to address the situation surrounding himself and Russini, adding that he did not want to take attention away from the NFL Draft.
And he also added that he needed to enter counseling to become "a better person".
"I have always wanted to lead by example and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father, and coach that I possibly can be," continued Vrabel.
"This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result."
- Oscar Maung-Haley
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