For the first time since photos were released showing New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini spending time together at a resort in Sedona, Ariz., in late March, Vrabel spoke with media members during a Tuesday news conference.
As shared by Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, Vrabel acknowledged that he had a candid conversation with Patriots players at the start of the team’s offseason program on Monday.
What Mike Vrabel did, didn’t say about Dianna Russini controversy
“I’ve had some difficult conversations with people that I care about, with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players,” Vrabel explained. “Those have been positive and productive. I believe in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me. That starts with me. We never want our actions to negatively affect the team. We never want to be the cause of distraction.”
Vrabel and Russini, who are both married to other people, previously denied any wrongdoing related to the photos published by Page Six. However, Russini has since resigned from her role of covering the NFL for The Athletic. She joined that outlet in 2023, and her contract was due to expire on June 30.
Mike Vrabel makes promise to Patriots, fans amid Dianna Russini controversy
“These are comments and questions that I’ve answered for the team and with the team,” Vrabel continued. “We’ll keep those private and to ourselves. I care deeply about this football team, and excited to coach them. I also know that I’m going to attack each day with humility and focus. And what I can promise you is that my family, this organization, the team, the staff, the coaches, everybody, our fans, most importantly, will get the best version of me going forward. And that’s what I know. And I’m excited to do that, but I wanted to, one, just address this, and thank you for your patience in dealing with the private and personal matter.”
On April 17, ESPN’s Ben Strauss revealed that the NFL would not be reviewing Vrabel’s behavior as part of the league’s personal conduct policy. It was previously suggested that the NFL could look into whether or not Vrabel violated tampering rules by having a close relationship with Russini.
At least one former player recently insisted that Vrabel had to address this matter with his squad, and the fact that he did serves as yet another reminder that it’s currently anything but “business as usual” for the reigning AFC champions. It remains to be seen what else Vrabel will have to say about this matter once the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft wraps up on Thursday night.
The Patriots currently hold the draft’s 31st overall selection.