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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has responded to questions about his recent decision to step away from the team amid a series of leaked photos that appear to show him having romantic and personal moments with former New York Times/The Athletic reporter Dianna Russini.
Vrabel will miss several days of the NFL Draft, which he announced early Thursday. In the hours following the announcement, photos appearing to show Vrabel and Russini kissing in a bar were published by the New York Post and are believed to have been taken six years ago.
TMZ later Thursday published photos of Vrabel and Russini at a casino.
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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during a news conference after an NFL playoff game in Foxborough, Massachusetts, January 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
“My previous actions don’t meet the standards that I hold myself to,” Vrabel said of the current situation, later saying, “My priorities are my family and this football team, in that order. And there’s a balance there that I’m going to create.”
At the end of the press conference, Vrabel was asked to explain why he initially made a statement calling photos of him and Russini at an Arizona resort “laughable” after they were published by the New York Post earlier in April.
“This is a private and personal matter. I don’t think those comments…it was an attempt to protect your family,” Vrabel said.
That was the last question Vrabel answered before storming off the podium and leaving the room.
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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel smiles as he poses with team owner Robert Kraft during an availability in Foxborough, Massachusetts, January 13, 2025. (Charles Krupa/AP)
Vrabel will leave the team’s NFL Draft responsibilities in the hands of general manager Eliot Wolf
“I have confidence in our people. I have confidence in our preparation,” Vrabel said. in the hands
“When you put your family and your job first, that’s what’s required. And that’s what was necessary. I had a lot of support from everyone involved. So that’s what I was able to do, and willingly, and I want to do it.
“When my family needs me, I’ll be there.”
When asked if he would miss any other football activities in the coming weeks, Vrabel said: “I can’t answer that question. I can only say that what my family needs is what I will provide for them.
“I have to do what is expected of me with my family. Again, I am confident that I will provide them with everything they need.”
When asked if he felt he had to prove himself to the players who were there last year, he said, “I have to make it a priority, that’s what I have to do, I have to make my family and this football team my priority.”
The Patriots released a statement Thursday evening ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, expressing support for Vrabel.
“The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family, as well as his own well-being,” the statement said. the Patriots’ declaration said.
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Dianna Russini, left, and Mike Vrabel, right, are pictured in a split composite image showing Russini with an ESPN microphone and Vrabel on the Titans sideline wearing a headset. (Imagn Images)
“Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment.
“We are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our staff throughout this pre-draft process. Although he will not be on site Saturday, we know the draft evaluations are complete, and Eliot Wolf and his staff are prepared to execute our draft as planned this weekend.”
Meanwhile, Russini resigned from his position at the New York Times last week.
