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What Mike Vrabel said about NFL draft leave of absence amid Dianna Russini rumors
TL;DR
Mike Vrabel announced a leave of absence from the New England Patriots amid rumors involving NFL insider Dianna Russini. He will not participate in the NFL draft as he seeks counseling to focus on his family and personal life.
Key points
- Mike Vrabel announced a leave of absence from the Patriots.
- He is seeking counseling amid personal issues.
- Vrabel will miss Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
- The Patriots support Vrabel's focus on family and personal life.
- Vrabel emphasizes accountability for his actions.
Mentioned in this story
Mike VrabelDianna Russini
New England PatriotsNFL Draft 2026
Former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel addressed local media in New England prior to the start of the NFL draft on April 23 to discuss his leave of absence from the New England Patriots in the shadow of rumors and images flying featuring Vrabel and NFL insider Dianna Russini in compromising positions.
Vrabel will not be in the Patriots' draft room on Saturday, April 25 for Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft as he seeks counseling, he and the Patriots announced late on the evening of April 22. Earlier on the afternoon of April 23, the Patriots put out a statement supporting Vrabel in his efforts to emphasize his family and personal life.
More images of Vrabel and a woman have been released by TMZ and the New York Post on April 22 and 23.
"I take accountability for my actions and the actions that caused a distraction to the people I care most about," Vrabel said. "My previous actions don't meet the standard that I hold myself to. What I believe is best for the two most important things in my life, my family and the football team, is to work through this together. That's going to start, that has started, that'll continue this weekend and that'll continue for however long that takes for me to complete that promise of me giving them the best version of me possible."
Vrabel went on to say that his priorities are his family and the Patriots, in that order, and there's a balance he's going to create. He's confident in the people in the Patriots' organization to handle the draft while he's away.
When Vrabel was asked whether he'll miss any further Patriots activities beyond the draft, he said he can't ensure anything.
"I'm not sure what's going to be needed of me," Vrabel said.
Speaking on ESPN prior to the NFL draft, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the situation is a "personal matter" and left it at that.
Q&A
Why is Mike Vrabel taking a leave of absence from the Patriots?
Mike Vrabel is taking a leave of absence to seek counseling and focus on his family and personal life.
What did Mike Vrabel say about his actions and accountability?
Vrabel stated he takes accountability for his actions, which he believes have caused distractions to his family and the team.
When will Mike Vrabel return to the Patriots' draft activities?
Mike Vrabel will not be present for Day 3 of the NFL Draft on April 25, and his return date has not been specified.
What support has the New England Patriots organization provided to Mike Vrabel?
The Patriots released a statement supporting Vrabel in his efforts to prioritize his family and personal well-being.
