Mike Vrabel will miss part of the 2026 NFL Draft to seek counseling and spend time with his family. This decision follows the circulation of photos with former NFL reporter Dianna Russini, but he is not facing any disciplinary action from the NFL.
Key points
Mike Vrabel will miss part of the 2026 NFL Draft
He is seeking counseling and spending time with family
Photos with Dianna Russini circulated online
No disciplinary action from the NFL
Mentioned in this story
Mike VrabelDianna RussiniNFL
New England Patriots
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel on Feb. 10, 2026Credit: John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel on Feb. 10, 2026
Credit: John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
Key Takeaways
Mike Vrabel announced he will miss part of the 2026 NFL Draft this weekend in order to seek counseling and be with his family
This comes after he addressed photos of himself and former NFL reporter Dianna Russini that circulated online showing them hugging and holding hands
The NFL said that the Patriots coach is not facing any disciplinary action from the league
Vrabel, 50, told told ESPN in a statement on Wednesday, April 22, that he would not be with the Patriots on the third day of the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh, as he has instead pledged to be with his family over the weekend.
"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. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend," Vrabel said.
"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.
Q&A
Why is Mike Vrabel missing part of the 2026 NFL Draft?
Mike Vrabel is missing part of the 2026 NFL Draft to seek counseling and be with his family.
What photos caused controversy for Mike Vrabel?
Controversial photos showed Mike Vrabel and former NFL reporter Dianna Russini hugging and holding hands.
Is Mike Vrabel facing disciplinary action from the NFL?
No, the NFL has stated that Mike Vrabel is not facing any disciplinary action.
What is the significance of Mike Vrabel's decision to seek counseling?
Mike Vrabel's decision to seek counseling highlights the importance of mental health and personal well-being in high-pressure roles.
Related Articles
Soccer
El 'incómodo' regreso de Carvajal
El regreso complicado de Carvajal y su relación con Arbeloa
Marca··1 min read
MLB·Feature
Fantasy Baseball: Surprising stats through the first month of the 2026 MLB season
Check out these surprising stats from the first month of the 2026 MLB season!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Carson Beck's NFL Draft roller coaster: From Georgia star to Miami reset and QB2 debate
Carson Beck's NFL Draft Journey: From Georgia Star to Miami QB2 Debate
CBS Sports Headlines··1 min read
NFL·Preview
BYU's AJ Dybantsa makes big announcement ahead of NBA draft deadline: Live updates
BYU's AJ Dybantsa set to announce NBA draft intentions tomorrow!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Alex Cora Shakes Up Red Sox's Lineup Again For Pivotal Series Finale Vs. Yankees
Alex Cora shakes up the Red Sox lineup again for a crucial game against the Yankees.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA
Lakers predicted to trade for $90M All-Star rim protector as perfect Luka Doncic lob partner
Lakers predicted to trade for $90M All-Star rim protector, perfect for Doncic.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
A photo of head coach Mike Vrabel and formr NFL reporter Dianna Russini.Credit: Dylan Buell/Getty; Cindy Ord/Getty
A photo of head coach Mike Vrabel and formr NFL reporter Dianna Russini.
Credit: Dylan Buell/Getty; Cindy Ord/Getty
"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. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result."
The statement comes weeks after Page Six published photos of the head coach, who is married to Jen Vrabel and has two sons, with Russini, who is also married. The images showed Vrabel and Russini, 43, hugging and holding hands at a luxury hotel in Arizona.
Both Vrabel and Russini denied any wrongdoing.
"These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable," Vrabel told the New York Post on Tuesday, April 7.
Russini told the outlet: "The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues."
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots looks on during Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8, 2026.Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots looks on during Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8, 2026.
Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty
Vrabel broke his silence on the photo scandal during a press conference on Tuesday, April 21, saying he waited to address the situation until he had a “conversation with the players” on the Patriots team. He also said he had “difficult conversations” with his family, the Patriots organization and coaches.
"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, never want to be the cause of distraction,” he said.
Russini resigned from The Athletic on April 14, one week after the photos circulated. The media outlet, which is owned by The New York Times, also launched an investigation in the fallout of the photo scandal.
As for Vrabel, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told PEOPLE that the coach is not under investigation for any violation regarding the league’s personal conduct policy.
