The New England Patriots confirmed there was "no contact" with head coach Mike Vrabel during the 2026 NFL Draft after he took time off for family counseling. Vrabel's absence came amid fallout from photos with reporter Dianna Russini, which prompted scrutiny and led to a retracted ESPN report stating the two had been in constant communication. Patriots personnel confirmed they opted not to disturb Vrabel to allow him the necessary time away. Despite the controversy, he has not been investigated for any conduct violations. Support for him comes from Patriots owner Robert Kraft, while Russini resigned from her position due to the situation's fallout.

By the Numbers
  • Vrabel missed Day 3 of the NFL Draft while attending counseling.
  • Russini resigned from The Athletic prior to the draft following the incident.
State of Play
  • Vrabel has not indicated when he will return to the team's activities.
  • The NFL has decided not to investigate Vrabel over personal conduct at this time.
What's Next

The Patriots will likely evaluate Vrabel's situation as they prepare for offseason activities, and his return timeline remains uncertain. Ongoing investigations regarding Russini may also yield further developments impacting the team.

Bottom Line

The situation underscores the importance of personal accountability within the high-pressure environment of the NFL, as both Vrabel and Russini face repercussions for their actions. The Patriots' support for Vrabel may help preserve team cohesion during this challenging time.