Patriots captains back Mike Vrabel amid ‘personal issues,’ keep focus on football
Vrabel addressed the team at the start of the offseason program.
Orchard Park, NY - October 5: New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and tight end Hunter Henry high five in the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium on October 5, 2025. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images As the New England Patriots returned to the facility last week for the start of the voluntary offseason program, head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the team regarding his ongoing off-field situation. “I thought he did a great job,” Hunter Henry said.
“It’s been the same Vrabes, bringing a lot of energy in the room. So, I mean, obviously he addressed it and that’s kind of all I’ll say about it. ” Earlier this month, Page 6 released pictures of Vrabel embracing and holding hands with former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort from March.
The New York Post since released pictures of Vrabel and Russini together at a New York City bar in 2020. After speaking with the team, Vrabel made a pair of statements to the media before stepping away from Day 3 of the NFL Draft on Saturday to attend counseling with his family. Vrabel returned to the facility on Monday.
“Coach coaches football and he keeps the main thing the main thing,” fellow captain Robert Spillane said. “So I know he’s dealing with personal issues, but when we’re in the building we speak football. ” Spillane has a longstanding relationship with Vrabel, as he started his football career as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans.