Report: Mike Vrabel 'Lost His Edge' After Dianna Russini Leak
The New England Patriots added a potential game-changer to their offensive line during the opening round of the NFL Draft, but that pick was overshadowed by Mike Vrabel's messy situation.
Vrabel was spotted with former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini at a hotel in Arizona last month. Photos of them apparently hugging and holding hands were shared by Page Six. On Thursday, the publication shared photos from March 2020 that show Russini and Vrabel getting awfully close at a bar in New York City.
Roughly an hour before the 2026 NFL Draft started, Vrabel addressed the media. Not only did he confirm that he's going to get counseling, he hinted that he'll be away from the team for a little bit.
"I can only say that whatever my family needs, that's what I'm going to provide," Vrabel said. "I'm confident that if I weren't able to be here, we have people in place. I just know I'm going to take the necessary steps with the people I care about -- that's my family and this team."
During an appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub this Friday morning, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer discussed Vrabel's situation. He admit that New England's fiery coach doesn't seem as dialed up as he usually is.
"I can just tell you factually he has not been the same the last two weeks in that building. The sense I've gotten talking to people is that bravado and everything else, I think this has taken a chunk out of that," Breer said. "I really like Mike personally - I've covered him for a long time. I think deep down he's a good guy with a good heart. I would say it's like what you don't want is that version of Mike Vrabel walking around for the next six weeks until summer. You want to find a way to get the full Mike Vrabel back."
Breer said the concern is that Vrabel may have lost his edge over the past two weeks.
"Did he lose his edge after everything happened? You got to be a little [worried]. The Patriots need to get Mike right. They want the full version of him. If it's a week, two weeks, the rest of the spring, they just need the full version of him."
The NFL won't discipline Vrabel.
Some fans thought Vrabel's situation would be investigated under the NFL's personal conduct policy. That won't be the case though.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed on Thursday that Vrabel's situation will strictly be handled by the Patriots at this time.
"This is not a personal conduct policy, as we know today," Goodell said. "It's a personal matter, and we'll leave it at that."
Will Vrabel be ready to lead the Patriots into battle when Week 1 comes around? We'll find out soon enough.
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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 7:55 AM.