New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has chosen to miss the third day of the 2026 NFL Draft. He will step away from the team this weekend to seek counseling. This decision arrives amid the ongoing fallout from leaked photos showing him and longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini together at a resort in Sedona, Arizona.
The New York Post first published the images. They depicted Vrabel and Russini at the Ambiente resort on the morning of March 28. Both Vrabel and Russini are married to other people. The photos were captured right before the annual NFL meetings began in Phoenix on March 29.
Vrabel initially dismissed the rumors. He released a statement saying, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
Russini also defended the gathering. She stated, “The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”
However, sources at the resort told a different story. One report noted, “An insider told us that the pair — who are both married to other people — dined together on the morning of March 28, around 10:15 a.m. local time.” Another observer claimed they moved carefully around the property, saying, “One of them would go ahead and then the other would wait for a few seconds or so, and then they would follow a few steps ahead.”
The situation escalated quickly. Russini resigned from her position at The Athletic after the sports outlet launched an internal investigation. Meanwhile, the NFL confirmed it is not opening a formal investigation into Vrabel’s conduct. Vrabel addressed his players on Monday when they arrived for the start of the voluntary workout program. He told reporters on Tuesday that he had “difficult conversations with people I care about.”
Vrabel seemed focused on accountability during his media session. He told the press, “In order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me.”
By Wednesday night, Vrabel announced his decision to step away from draft duties for the final day. He shared his thoughts in a detailed statement.
“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.”
The NFL draft begins Thursday in Pittsburgh. Day 3 includes Rounds 4 through 7 and takes place on Saturday. Vrabel will stay in contact with the Patriots during his absence. Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden will handle the draft process on the floor.
