Mike Vrabel addresses plan to step away from Patriots in wake of Dianna Russini photo leaks
Vrabel said he is taking accountability for actions that have created a distraction for New England.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said Friday that his focus is on his family and taking accountability for actions that have created a distraction after additional photos surfaced Thursday showing him with former NFL reporter Dianna Russini. The Patriots held a news conference from Gillette Stadium on Thursday night, just minutes ahead of the start of the 2026 NFL Draft, during which Vrabel addressed why he will skip Saturday’s final day of the draft. “My priorities are my family in this football team and in that order,” Vrabel said.
“There’s a balance there that I am going to create, and my family needs me this weekend, and that’s where I’ll be,” Vrabel said. The coach is expected to remain with the team through Friday night, then leave after the Patriots wrap up the second night of the draft as he seeks counseling. He and his family plan to be out of Massachusetts this weekend.
The situation escalated Thursday , just hours before the draft began, when the New York Post released pictures that appear to show Vrabel and Russini together in 2020, kissing and embracing in a New York City bar. At the time, Vrabel was coaching the Tennessee Titans, and Russini was working for ESPN. Vrabel was married, and Russini was engaged.
EXCLUSIVE: Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini were “all over each other” at a secluded bar in New York City — six years before they were caught holding hands and hugging at an Arizona resort. More pics: https://t. co/kIdr6RlQUB pic.