Mike Vrabel returned to the New England Patriots on April 27 after missing the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft to seek counseling and spend time with his family. His absence was linked to personal matters involving a former NFL reporter.
Key points
Mike Vrabel missed the 2026 NFL Draft's final day.
He sought counseling and family time during his absence.
Vrabel was photographed with Dianna Rusinni before the draft.
He emphasized family and team balance upon his return.
Mentioned in this story
Mike VrabelNew England PatriotsDianna RusinniArizona
Vrabel and former NFL reporter Dianna Rusinni – who has since resigned from The Athletic where she was the outlet's NFL insider – were photographed together at an exclusive Arizona resort ahead of the annual league meetings in late March. The New York Post published photos of the two interlocking hands and hugging, and the outlet later released what appeared to be more photos of the two – these from a New York bar and dating back to March 2020 – on April 24, the day the draft began.
USA TODAY Sports reached out to the Patriots for confirmation that Vrabel had returned.
Vrabel addressed reporters for the second time in three days April 24, after the additional photos came out.
"My priorities are my family and this football team – in that order. And there is a balance there that I am going to create," Vrabel said. "My family needs me this weekend, and that's where I'll be."
The 2025 Coach of the Year had previously told ESPN that he was going to "begin to seek counseling" and be with his family. Vrabel was with the team for the first two days of the draft but missed the third.
Q&A
Why did Mike Vrabel miss the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft?
Mike Vrabel missed the final day of the draft to begin seeking counseling and to be with his family.
What did Mike Vrabel say about his priorities after returning?
Mike Vrabel stated that his priorities are his family and the football team, in that order, emphasizing the need for balance.
What controversy surrounded Mike Vrabel before the NFL Draft?
Mike Vrabel was involved in a controversy related to his relationship with former NFL reporter Dianna Rusinni, which included public photographs of them together.
When did Mike Vrabel return to the Patriots after his absence?
Mike Vrabel returned to the New England Patriots on April 27, 2026.
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Vrabel coached the Titans for six seasons before being fired after the 2023 campaign. The Patriots hired him in 2025 and the former New England linebacker led the team to a 14-3 record and AFC title.
Vrabel claimed that the initial photos were innocent and called their nefarious insinuation "laughable," in a statement to The Post when they were published.
On April 21, two weeks after the New York Post published the photos, Vrabel made his first public statement in front of cameras
"I've had some difficult conversations with people I care about about − with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players," Vrabel said.
"Those have been positive and productive. We believe 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. You never want to be the cause of a distraction.
"What I can promise you is that my family, this organization, the team, the staff, the coaches, everybody − our fans, most importantly − will get the best version of me going forward."
Mike Vrabel’s career has taken him from standout player to head coach, with stops across multiple eras of the NFL.
See the moments that chart Vrabel’s path through the years and onto the sidelines.
Above, Mike Vrabel speaks as he is introduced as head coach of the New England Patriots during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Linebacker Mike Vrabel #50 of the New England Patriots celebrates with this son after defeating the Carolina Panthers 32-29 inSuper Bowl XXXVIII at Reliant Stadium on February 1, 2004, in Houston, Texas.
Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots poses for his 2005 NFL headshot at photo day in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Mike Vrabel speaks as he is introduced as head coach of the New England Patriots during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Line Backer Mike Vrabel #50 of the New England Patriots standing on the field looking on during the game against the Buffalo Bills at the Foxboro Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Bills 21-11.
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots reacts during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 21, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland.
Linebacker Mike Vrabel #50 of the New England Patriots catches a two yard touchdown in the third quarter against cornerback Lito Sheppard #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium on February 6, 2005, in Jacksonville, Florida.
New England Patriots line backer Mike Vrabel celebrates his touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXIX 06 February 2005, at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, FL. The Patriots are leading 24-14 in the fourth quarter.
Tony Fisher #40 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball against Mike Vrabel #50 the New England Patriots during the second quarter on October 13, 2002, at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Green Bay Packers beat the New England Patriots 28-10.
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots celebrates with Stefon Diggs #8 after a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots looks on during training camp at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on August 13, 2025, in Eagan, Minnesota.
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots reacts against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter in the game at Hard Rock Stadium on September 14, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots speaks with Drake Maye #10 prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 05, 2025, in Orchard Park, New York.
Former player Mike Vrabel speaks during a New England Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony during halftime of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2023, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans looks on in the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on November 19, 2023, in Jacksonville, Florida.
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel runs on the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium on January 07, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Will Levis #8 of the Tennessee Titans talks with Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium on January 07, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans looks during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Nissan Stadium on September 17, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee.
1 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Mike Vrabel’s career has taken him from standout player to head coach, with stops across multiple eras of the NFL.
See the moments that chart Vrabel’s path through the years and onto the sidelines.
Above, Mike Vrabel speaks as he is introduced as head coach of the New England Patriots during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
1 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Mike Vrabel’s career has taken him from standout player to head coach, with stops across multiple eras of the NFL.
See the moments that chart Vrabel’s path through the years and onto the sidelines.
Above, Mike Vrabel speaks as he is introduced as head coach of the New England Patriots during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
2 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Linebacker Mike Vrabel #50 of the New England Patriots celebrates with this son after defeating the Carolina Panthers 32-29 inSuper Bowl XXXVIII at Reliant Stadium on February 1, 2004, in Houston, Texas.
3 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots poses for his 2005 NFL headshot at photo day in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
4 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Mike Vrabel speaks as he is introduced as head coach of the New England Patriots during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
5 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Line Backer Mike Vrabel #50 of the New England Patriots standing on the field looking on during the game against the Buffalo Bills at the Foxboro Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Bills 21-11.
6 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots reacts during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 21, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland.
7 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Linebacker Mike Vrabel #50 of the New England Patriots catches a two yard touchdown in the third quarter against cornerback Lito Sheppard #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium on February 6, 2005, in Jacksonville, Florida.
8 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
New England Patriots line backer Mike Vrabel celebrates his touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXIX 06 February 2005, at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, FL. The Patriots are leading 24-14 in the fourth quarter.
9 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Tony Fisher #40 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball against Mike Vrabel #50 the New England Patriots during the second quarter on October 13, 2002, at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Green Bay Packers beat the New England Patriots 28-10.
10 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots celebrates with Stefon Diggs #8 after a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
11 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots looks on during training camp at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on August 13, 2025, in Eagan, Minnesota.
12 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots reacts against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter in the game at Hard Rock Stadium on September 14, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
13 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots speaks with Drake Maye #10 prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 05, 2025, in Orchard Park, New York.
14 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Former player Mike Vrabel speaks during a New England Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony during halftime of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2023, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
15 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans looks on in the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on November 19, 2023, in Jacksonville, Florida.
16 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel runs on the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium on January 07, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee.
17 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Will Levis #8 of the Tennessee Titans talks with Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium on January 07, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee.
18 / 18
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans looks during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Nissan Stadium on September 17, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee.
