Boston Magazine Mike Vrabel cover could not be more poorly timed

Credit: imagn images via Reuters Connect

Mike Vrabel is doing everything he can to move forward as head coach of the New England Patriots following the public circus surrounding his apparent long-term affair with NFL insider Dianna Russini. And headlining him as a “Most Influential Bostonian” is probably not going to help. At least not now.

A month ago, Vrabel being anointed in such a way would have been expected, if not applauded. He was a legend as a player with the Patriots and had returned to the team as head coach and led the team to their first Super Bowl appearance in the post-Brady area. He was seen as an inspirational figure, a motivator, someone who commanded respect, and a leader of men.

But that view of Mike Vrabel seems like an incredibly distant memory. After appearing in public following the pictures posted of himself of Dianna Russini, he now appears to be a shadow of his former self. In his first statement, the head coach who once cut a strong, impenetrable figure was full of guilt and shame. And that was before his counseling session during the NFL Draft predated the reveal that his personal relationship with Russini dated back years.

At this point, anyone would understand changing gears if you were coming up with a list of “Most Influential Bostonians.” Maybe it’s time for Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum to shine. Alas, Boston Magazine went ahead on Tuesday and published a cover story with Vrabel alongside quarterback Drake Maye for all the world to see.

Incredibly, the cover of Maye and Vrabel is not an actual picture of the two, but rather an illustration. The magazine told FOS’s Ryan Glasspiegel that the decision to honor Maye and Vrabel was made over a month ago and there was no consideration given to going in a different direction given recent events.