In an unexpected development, Mike Vrabel will not participate with the Patriots during the NFL Draft.
The Patriots’ head coach informed ESPN that he will be absent on Saturday night, which is the third day of the draft, as he intends to “receive counseling” following a photograph that surfaced with Deanna Russini, a former NFL insider at The Athletic.
At 50, Vrabel did not directly address the photo but expressed his commitment to being the “best version” of himself for both his team and family.
“As I mentioned recently, I promised my family, this organization, and my team that I would strive to give my best,” Vrabel shared with ESPN. “As such, I’ve decided to start counseling this weekend. It’s something I’ve given considerable thought to, and if I were advising a player, I’d suggest they do the same.”
This weekend, he plans to spend time out of Massachusetts with his wife, Jen, and their two sons. Still, he intends to keep in touch with the team on Saturday, when the last selections will occur.
New England has eight picks available on that day (rounds 4-7).
Earlier in the month, reports emerged of photos showing Vrabel and Russini holding hands and embracing at a resort in Arizona. Shortly after, Russini resigned from The Athletic, which has since opened an internal review concerning her connection with the Patriots’ coach.
Initially, Vrabel described the photo situation as “funny” but sidestepped further questions about it during a press conference. “Thank you for the question. I’m going to direct my focus on the football team,” he replied, adding that the emphasis should be on coaching and forming a cohesive new team with 13 new players.
During the press conference, Vrabel mentioned having “candid” discussions with his players, saying, “I’ve had tough talks with important people in my life. My family, organization, coaches, and players have all been positive and constructive.”
He emphasized that to achieve success, it’s essential to make the right decisions, which starts with himself. “We never want our actions to negatively affect the team or become a distraction,” he noted.
On Wednesday, additional photos surfaced of the two having breakfast together at the same resort on March 28.
Vrabel conveyed to ESPN that he aims to emerge with “more determination” after undergoing counseling. “I’ve always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is necessary to be the best husband, father, and coach I can be,” he concluded.
