The New England Patriots drafted an offensive lineman to help protect young quarterback Drake Maye, who was in duress in the Pats’ Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but another story surrounding thefranchise has dominated the headlines.
Head coach Mike Vrabel was seen with NFL reporter Dianna Russini at a hotel in Arizona and photos of the two together over the years have been published by Page Six. About an hour before the draft, Vrabel addressed the media.
“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.”
#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel was asked if he’ll miss other football activities.
“I can’t answer that. 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.” pic.twitter.com/xWn4CbxXSY
— Brody (@BrodyTalksPats) April 23, 2026
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer spoke on 98.5 The Sports Hub on Friday morning and said that he’s heard there’s been something different about the usually confident Vrabel.
“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.
“He hasn’t been the same”: Breer Reveals Behind the Scenes Concerns on Vrabel pic.twitter.com/CzGOfhVlA4
— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) April 24, 2026
“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.”
Breen said there is concern regarding whether or not Vrabel lost his edge.
“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.”
Hopefully, Vrabel can get everything worked out with his family and get his life and his team on track heading into the new season.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.