New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, after becoming embroiled in the Arizona vacation photo scandal, suffered another setback.
Vrable speaks on Tuesday, April 21, after New York Post posted photos of him vacationing with former Athletic NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort on April 7, 2026.
Patriots coach Vrabel will now be unavailable for the Patriots ahead of the Day 3 NFL draft scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, as he seeks personal health support.
Seeking personal advice, Vrable revealed that “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 myself that I could give them.”
Revealing why he believes he needs to focus on his wellbeing, he said: “To do so, I have committed to seeking counseling starting this weekend.
“This is something I’ve thought about a lot and it’s something I would recommend a player do if I were advising them.”
Vrabel explained that by taking a “family first” approach, “I have always wanted to lead by example and I believe this is what I need to do to be the best husband, father and coach I can be.”
This isn’t easy for me to admit, but I know it will make me a better person. “I appreciate the support everyone has given me and I promise a stronger resolve as a result,” Vrabel added.
For those who don’t know, Vrabel appeared in public and addressed the media on Tuesday, April 21, for the first time since New York posted snaps that appeared to show the Patriots coach vacationing with NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort.
However, Vrabel downplayed the rumors, telling reporters that it was a “personal and private matter.”
The Patriots enter the NFL draft with 11 picks, including the 13th pick of the first round.
While eight of their picks are on the last day of the draft, two in the fourth round, one in the fifth, four in the sixth and one in the seventh round on Saturday, April 25.
