Why Mike Vrabel will miss part of 2026 NFL Draft after Dianna Russini photos

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel broke his silence earlier this week after photos of him and now-former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini emerged. And his latest statement added new information as the 2026 NFL Draft approached.

"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, via ESPN.

"I have always wanted to lead by example," he added, "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."

That will mean he'll miss Day 3 of the draft on Saturday, and it's worth noting that we don't know what kind of counseling he'll be undergoing.

Who is Mike Vrabel's wife?

That would be Jen Vrabel. Per The Tennessean, here's how they met:

Jen Boleyn couldn’t help but notice Vrabel in their massive freshman lecture class on time management. He always sat in the front and he was always talking. Eventually she found him funny enough to ask the professor for his phone number, and the 5-foot-10 volleyball player — who is still among Ohio State’s all-time assists leaders — and 6-4 football player quickly became inseparable.

They got married in 1999 and had two kids together.