Patriots QB Drake Maye on Mike Vrabel amid controversy: 'A great human being'
New England Patriots QB Drake Maye said head coach Mike Vrabel is "a great human being" and doesn't expect the off-the-field news to be a distraction.
Drake Maye is firmly in Mike Vrabel's corner. The New England Patriots quarterback called his head coach – who found himself in controversy and publicly saying he would take accountability for his actions – "a great human being. " Maye also said he doesn't feel that the off-field controversy surrounding Vrabel and former NFL Athletic reporter Dianna Russini will be a distraction for the team coming off their Super Bowl 60 loss .
"I know he's got the right mindset, and I know he's a great human being," Maye told the Associated Press. "I think he's ... like I said, I love playing for him.
" Maye spoke to the Associated Press after he participated Wednesday, May 6 in the Truist Championship Pro-Am in Charlotte in which he was paired with PGA Tour pro Gary Woodland on the back nine at Quail Hollow. The New York Post published photographs of Vrabel and Russini together in April together at a private Arizona resort. Both are married to other people and have children with their spouses.
Vrabel missed the third and final day of the 2026 NFL Draft to be with his family and begin to seek counseling. The Patriots supported Vrabel's decision and have stood by the 2025 Coach of the Year throughout the process. Vrabel received a standing ovation from Patriots fans during an event for season-ticket holders last month.