Vrabel in 'constant' talks with Patriots while away from draft to seek counseling, per report

TL;DR

Mike Vrabel is in constant contact with the New England Patriots while seeking counseling and spending time with his family during the 2026 NFL Draft. He announced his absence from the team on April 25, emphasizing his commitment to personal improvement.

Key points

Mike Vrabel is away from the Patriots for counseling.
The Patriots are in constant communication with him.
Vrabel announced his absence on April 25.
He emphasized the importance of personal improvement.
Photos of Vrabel with Dianna Russini have attracted media attention.

Mentioned in this story

Mike VrabelNew England PatriotsDianna RussiniArizona

The New England Patriots are keeping in regular contact with head coach Mike Vrabel while he is away from the team on the third and final day of the 2026 NFL Draft to seek counseling and be with his family.

NFL insider Peter Schrager said during ESPN's April 25 broadcast that Patriots sources told him the team is in "constant communication" with Vrabel “via telephone and text messages.” Vrabel announced he would be away from the team April 25 during a brief news conference on April 23.

ESPN reported that Vrabel and his family would be outside of Massachusetts during Rounds 4-7.

"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, according to ESPN. "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.

Vrabel and former NFL reporter for The Athletic Dianna Russini were photographed together at an exclusive Arizona resort on March 29, with the New York Post publishing intimate photos of the two on April 7. The outlet released April 23 more photos of the two from six years ago.

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As expected, New England executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf led the draft war room. Vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden – a longtime Vrabel lieutenant – also had a key role, Schrager reported.