
El 'incómodo' regreso de Carvajal
El regreso complicado de Carvajal y su relación con Arbeloa
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.
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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel on Feb. 10, 2026
Credit: John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty
Key Takeaways
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is heading to counseling following a photo scandal involving former NFL reporter Dianna Russini.
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.
Mike Vrabel is missing part of the 2026 NFL Draft to seek counseling and be with his family.
Controversial photos showed Mike Vrabel and former NFL reporter Dianna Russini hugging and holding hands.
No, the NFL has stated that Mike Vrabel is not facing any disciplinary action.
Mike Vrabel's decision to seek counseling highlights the importance of mental health and personal well-being in high-pressure roles.

El regreso complicado de Carvajal y su relación con Arbeloa
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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
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.
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"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.
Read the original article on People