Mike Vrabel speaks out before NFL draft after new photo bombshell with Dianna Russini: ‘My family needs me’
New York Post • • general
Key Points:
- Patriots coach Mike Vrabel addressed the media ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, acknowledging past personal mistakes and announcing he will miss the final day of the draft to seek counseling and spend time with his family.
- Vrabel admitted his previous dismissal of photos showing him kissing ESPN insider Dianna Russini in 2020 was an attempt to protect his family, emphasizing his commitment to balancing family and football priorities.
- The photos, published by Page Six, showed Vrabel and Russini together despite both being married at the time, with Russini later resigning from The Athletic amid an internal investigation.
- The Patriots organization expressed full support for Vrabel’s decision to focus on his family and confirmed their personnel staff is prepared to handle the draft without his presence on the final day.
- The NFL has announced it will not investigate Vrabel or take disciplinary action related to the scandal, which has dominated headlines in the lead-up to the draft.
