Rusty Weiss
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will miss Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday as he steps away from the team to seek counseling.
He is apparently seeking said counseling after photos surfaced showing him with former NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an adults-only Arizona resort getting a little handsy and huggy. Vrabel initially described those images as “completely innocent” and said any suggestion to the contrary was “laughable.”
But now, he needs counseling.
In a statement released Wednesday night, Vrabel said he has committed to counseling starting this weekend after engaging in “difficult conversations” with his family, the organization, coaches, and players.
“As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization, and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them,” Vrabel said in a statement released to ESPN.
“In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend. This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them.”
News story: Mike Vrabel won't be with Patriots for Day 3 of draft, as he seeks counseling.https://t.co/QmfWVknmTp
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) April 23, 2026
Vrabel Steps Away From Patriots Draft Room for Counseling After Dianna Russini Photos Spark Controversy
The Patriots confirmed Vrabel will remain in contact with the team during his absence, but will not be present for the final day of the draft in Green Bay.
The controversy erupted just weeks after Vrabel, the reigning AP NFL Coach of the Year, led the Patriots to a Super Bowl appearance. While the NFL has stated it is not investigating under its personal conduct policy, the situation has created a significant distraction for the franchise as it enters the offseason.
Day 3 of the NFL Draft, by the way, involves rounds 4 through 7 for teams, and New England has a total of eight picks that day. But Vrabel thinks there are bigger issues to deal with in his life. That’s not an insignificant sacrifice.
“I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father, and coach that I possibly can be. This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person,” he said. “I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result.”
Vrabel and his wife, Jennifer, have two sons, Tyler and Carter. They’ve been married since 1999. Good thing his interaction with Russini was “completely innocent.”
