Mike Vrabel issues new statement ahead of NFL draft

FOXBOROUGH, Mass — New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel took a moment before the start of the 2026 NFL Draft to address reporters regarding the new information that has come out about the controversy with NFL Insider Dianna Russini. Here is his entire opening statement: "Again, I just want to reiterate the gratitude that I had the other day that you guys have shown in a personal and private matter, and I want to address the news regarding my current situation. I understand that there are questions, but I take accountability for my actions and the actions that caused a distraction to the people that I care most about: my family, this football team, the organization, and our fans.

"My previous actions don't meet the standard that I hold myself to. They don't. And what I believe is best for the two most important things in my life, my family and this football team, is for us to take the necessary steps together and to give them what I told them I'd give them, which is the best version of me.

And that's what we're going to do. And that's going to start, and that has started, and that'll continue this weekend, and it'll continue for however long it takes for me to give them and to complete that promise of giving them the best version of me possible. And that's what's going to happen, and that's what's been happening.

"I'm grateful to Robert and Jonathan for their support and I'm thankful to the coaches and their support. Most especially, I'm thankful for the players. They're the ones that allow us to win games.