New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will miss a portion of the NFL Draft and undergo counseling in the wake of multiple waves of photos emerging of himself and former NFL reporter Dianna Russini, the team confirmed Thursday. The scandal has escalated rapidly over the past three weeks, transforming from a dismissed tabloid report into a full-blown crisis that has already cost Russini her job and forced Vrabel to publicly reckon with his actions.
Vrabel will not be with the Patriots on Saturday during the third day of the NFL Draft, which began Thursday night. Eliot Wolf, the team's executive vice president of player personnel, will oversee the late-round selections. The Patriots have made clear they fully support their head coach's decision to step back temporarily.
How the Scandal Unfolded: From 'Laughable' to Counseling
The saga began on April 7 when the New York Post published photos of Vrabel and Russini holding hands and spending time together at an Arizona resort. Vrabel's initial response was dismissive, calling the images "laughable." Russini similarly downplayed them, telling the Post: "Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues." The Athletic, where Russini worked as a senior NFL reporter, initially defended her.
But the story took a dramatic turn on April 14 when Russini resigned amid an internal investigation. The Athletic's executive editor stated that "new questions were raised" after the outlet uncovered additional information about her conduct.
Then on Wednesday, April 23, the Post published a second bombshell — photos appearing to show Vrabel and Russini kissing at a New York City bar, reportedly taken in March 2020, six years before the Arizona images. Later that same day, TMZ released photos of the pair together at a Mississippi casino in 2024, shortly after Vrabel was fired by the Tennessee Titans. The Page Six report also detailed images of the two having breakfast together at the same Arizona resort from the original set of photos.
Timeline: How the Vrabel-Russini Story Developed
April 7, 2026 — The New York Post publishes photos of Vrabel and Russini holding hands at a resort in Sedona, Arizona. Vrabel dismisses them as "laughable."
April 14, 2026 — Dianna Russini resigns from The Athletic amid an investigation into her conduct. The Athletic's executive editor cites "new questions" raised during the probe.
April 21, 2026 — Vrabel addresses reporters for the first time since the initial photos, saying he has had "some difficult conversations with people that I care about, with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players."
April 22, 2026 — Vrabel announces he will miss Day 3 of the NFL Draft to begin counseling. The Patriots release a statement fully supporting his decision.
April 23, 2026 — The New York Post publishes photos of Vrabel and Russini kissing at a NYC bar in 2020. TMZ releases photos of the pair at a Mississippi casino in 2024. Vrabel holds a press conference saying his "previous actions don't meet the standard that I hold myself to."
Why This Matters: The Fallout for the Patriots and the NFL
The scandal strikes at a particularly sensitive moment for the Patriots. Vrabel was named the 2025 NFL Coach of the Year after leading New England to an improbable Super Bowl run in his first season at the helm, taking over a franchise that had posted consecutive 4-13 campaigns. His rapid success had made him one of the most celebrated figures in the league.
Vrabel, 50, is a Patriots legend from his playing days, winning three Super Bowls with the team as a linebacker from 2001 to 2008. He returned as head coach in 2025 after a successful six-year tenure with the Tennessee Titans (2018-2023), where he posted a 54-45 regular-season record and led the franchise to four winning seasons and an AFC Championship game appearance.
Despite the escalating nature of the revelations, there have been no indications that Vrabel's job is in jeopardy. The Patriots have been unwavering in their support. "The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel's decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being," the team said in a statement. "Mike 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."
Where Things Stand Now: Vrabel's Latest Comments
During a press conference Thursday ahead of the draft, Vrabel faced a barrage of questions about the photos and his shifting stance. When asked how the images went from "laughable" to him stepping away for counseling, Vrabel responded: "That's a private and personal matter. I don't think that those comments — I think that was, you know, always an attempt to protect your family."
He left open the possibility of additional time away from the team. "I can't answer that," Vrabel said when asked if he would miss any more football activities. "I can only say that whatever my family needs, that's what I'm going to provide. But I also understand what's needed for me here."
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead for Vrabel and the Patriots
Vrabel is expected to begin counseling this weekend while the Patriots close out the draft without him. The team expressed confidence in its preparation, stating: "We are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this pre-draft process."
It remains unclear how much additional time Vrabel may need away from the team. Russini has not commented publicly since her resignation. For now, the Patriots are navigating the early stages of what could be a defining moment for their championship-winning head coach — both on a personal and professional level.
Key Takeaways: Everything You Need to Know
- Mike Vrabel will miss Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft to seek counseling after photos emerged of him with former NFL reporter Dianna Russini
- The scandal involves multiple sets of photos spanning from 2020 to 2026, including images of the two kissing at a NYC bar
- Dianna Russini resigned from The Athletic on April 14 amid an investigation
- The Patriots have fully backed Vrabel, who was the 2025 NFL Coach of the Year
- Vrabel has acknowledged his actions fell short of his own standards and is prioritizing his family
