Speaking to the media in a formal setting for the first time since revealing he would miss the final day of the NFL draft, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said he is keeping his focus narrow.
One month since the scandal broke involving Vrabel and former NFL reporter Dianni Russini, the Patriots assembled as a team on Wednesday for the start of voluntary team activities.
Photographs and video of Vrabel, 50, and Russini became public prior to the NFL draft. Vrabel said he had “difficult conversations” and announced during the draft he would be away from the team on Saturday, during rounds 4-7, to “seek counseling.” He was back at the team facility by Monday.
Vrabel has been married since 1999 and the couple has two sons Tyler, 25, and Carter, 24.
Vrabel was asked Wednesday how he’s working through his schedule and if he might miss more time to focus on his family and marriage.
“I mean, I can only tell you I’m going to be there today,” Vrabel said. “But I can’t tell you anything other than I’m gonna be out there today in full force. And I mean that because, you know, who knows what’s going to come up? You know, anything can happen. So I’m going to focus on today.”
Vrabel was out of coaching in 2024 following six seasons as coach of the Tennessee Titans. He returned to the Patriots as head coach last season and took New England to the Super Bowl, reviving the franchise he played for two decades earlier (2001-08).
But the off-field narrative took hold in the offseason and Vrabel is likely to continue to be asked to answer for his decisions and any peripheral ramifications.
“My family is great. I love (my wife) Jen, I love the boys,” Vrabel said.
Players didn’t sense any major change in his demeanor from last season.
“Same guy,” defensive tackle Milton Williams said. “Talking s—, getting guys ready to roll.”
Cornerbacks Carlton Davis III and Christian Gonzalez, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte and edge rusher Harold Landry were all non-participants on Wednesday, Vrabel said.
