The New England Patriots have responded to Mike Vrabel's absence from Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Vrabel is seeking counseling following a controversy involving Dianna Russini.
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Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
The New England Patriots have made their stance clear after Mike Vrabelâs decision to step away from Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
With the franchise navigating both a crucial draft weekend and an off-field situation involving their head coach, the focus has quickly shifted to how the organization is handling the moment internally.
Vrabelâs absence comes after he chose to begin counseling following the Dianna Russini controversy, a move that has drawn attention across the league during one of the NFLâs busiest weekends.
Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
In a statement shared via Adam Schefter, the Patriots made it clear that they are standing firmly behind their head coach.
âThe New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabelâs decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being,â the statement read.
âMike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment,â it added.
The statement comes as Vrabel steps away to focus on personal matters, with the organization choosing to emphasize support rather than distraction during a critical stretch of the offseason.
Mike Vrabel skipped Day 3 of the NFL Draft to begin counseling after the Dianna Russini controversy.
The Dianna Russini controversy involves an unspecified incident that has led Mike Vrabel to seek counseling.
The New England Patriots are focusing on internal management as they navigate both the draft and Vrabel's off-field situation.
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Given the timing, just as the draft unfolds, the Patriotsâ response highlights a clear priority on stability and backing their head coach through a difficult moment.
Despite Vrabelâs absence, the Patriots have made it clear that their draft process will continue without disruption.
The groundwork for the weekend had already been laid over months of preparation, allowing the front office to move forward with confidence even without their head coach physically present.
âWe are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this pre-draft process,â the statement continued.
The Patriots concluded, âWhile he will not be present at the facility on Saturday, we know the draft evaluations are complete and Eliot Wolf and his personnel staff are prepared to execute our draft as planned this weekend.â
In that sense, the Patriots are leaning on continuity. Vrabelâs influence remains embedded in the evaluations and strategy already in place, even as the team operates without him on the final day.
Itâs a situation that underscores both the seriousness of his decision and the organizationâs belief that their draft plan is strong enough to carry on as intended.
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