Mike Vrabel has been making headlines over the past couple of weeks after Page Six published some pictures of him appearing to get cozy with former NFL insider, Dianna Russini.
While the New England Patriots head coach initially called the reports of an affair “laughable,” additional photos—some taken as far back as 2020—have since been released, seeming to confirm that he had some type of romantic relationship with Russini.
Vrabel attended the first two nights of the NFL draft, but will be missing day three, which takes place on Saturday, April 25.
“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 during a press conference on Wednesday night. “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,” he added.
Prior to stepping away to be with his family, Vrabel posed for photos with some fans who attended a draft party at Gillette Stadium earlier this week.
Vrabel has been married to his wife, Jen Vrabel, since 1999. Russini is also married—she and Kevin Goldschmidt tied the knot in September 2020.
Mike Vrabel Was all Smiles in the Photos, Posted on Facebook
Vrabel appeared to be in good spirits in the photos, which were shared publicly by Facebook user Siobhan Atwood. He wore a suit and a white collared shirt as he spent some time taking photos with party goers.
Shortly after the pictures were posted online, many Patriots fans noted that it was good to see Vrabel smiling, given what’s been going on surrounding his personal life.
“Great to see Coach Vrabel,” the caption of the post read.
“Vrabel is lookin GOOD!!!!” one person wrote.
“That’s our coach,” someone else said, adding the muscles emoji.
Dianna Russini Resigned From Her Job, the Patriots Said they Won’t Be Investigating the Vrabel Scandal
Shortly after the photos were posted online, Russini resigned from her job at The Athletic.
“This media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete,” Russini said, per TMZ. “It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept.”
“Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career,” she added.
Despite rumors that Vrabel may resign from the Patriots—or be let go—the team seems supportive of the situation. The NFL is also currently on the same wave length.
“This is not a personal conduct policy, as we know it today. It’s a personal matter, and we’ll leave it at that,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said, according to the Daily Mail.
Mike Vrabel Takes Photos With Fans at NFL Draft Party as Affair Rumors Continue