Patriots Make Mike Vrabel Available for Press Conference
As the New England Patriots prepare for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night, much of the media focus is directed toward head coach Mike Vrabel.
Vrabel recently found himself at the center of an off-field scandal involving NFL reporter Dianna Russini.
Vrabel and Russini - who are both married to other people - were photographed holding hands an embracing at a luxury Arizona resort earlier this month. And on Thursday, several new photos of them emerged - dating all the way back to 2020.
Russini recently announced her resignation as lead NFL reporter for The Athletic. Vrabel announced that he will seek counseling after the first two days of the NFL draft.
Vrabel will be with the team in Pittsburgh on Thursday night, and the Patriots will make him available to speak with reporters in a press conference at 7:20 p.m. ET.
"In other news, the #Patriots are making coach Mike Vrabel available to reporters at 7:20 pm or so tonight. Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf will be available to the media at the end of the night tonight and at the end of each day throughout the draft," NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported.
In other news, the #Patriots are making coach Mike Vrabel available to reporters at 7:20 pm or so tonight. Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf will be available to the media at the end of the night tonight and at the end of each day throughout the draft.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 23, 2026
Vrabel released a statement on Wednesday night regarding his intentions to seek counseling this weekend.
"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. "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.
"I have always wanted to lead by example, 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. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result."
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 3:49 PM.