Vrabel-Russini timeline: Patriots coach steps away from NFL draft

There was yet another new chapter in the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini saga in the hours before the 2026 NFL Draft . Both the New York Post and TMZ posted new photos of the New England Patriots head coach showing what appeared to be more intimate moments with the NFL insider, formerly of The Athletic, in 2020 and 2024. Those new photos came out a day after Vrabel told ESPN he would be seeking counseling as soon as this weekend, missing Day 3 of the NFL draft to do so.

Vrabel also spoke to members of the media immediately before the first round of the draft, saying he would commit to giving the team "the best version of me possible" and taking further responsibility for his actions off of the field. Here's a look at the full timeline of events of the controversy ahead of draft weekend. NANCY ARMOUR: Mike Vrabel preaches accountability.

Turns out it's all talk | Opinion Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini controversy timeline: What Patriots' head coach has said and done March 11, 2020 Vrabel is spotted at a bar in New York City with a woman, purported to be Russini. An observer takes multiple photos of the couple, showing them sitting closely together. January 31, 2024 An observer at a casino in Biloxi, Mississippi snaps photos of Vrabel and Russini together weeks after the Titans fired their former head coach.

March 27 Vrabel attends Arizona State's pro day in Tempe, Arizona. He is one of many NFL officials at the Sun Devils' event, with Logan Stanley of the Arizona Republic reporting that 31 of 32 teams are represented. March 28 Vrabel and Russini meet at the Ambiente, an adults-only resort in Sedona, Arizona.