The New England Patriots dominated the headlines in the weeks before and leading up to the 2026 draft. Unfortunately, most of that coverage wasn’t about New England’s draft process, but rather around head coach Mike Vrabel, who was photographed with NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an adults-only hotel in Sedona, AZ.
Russini wound up resigning from her role at The Athletic, while Vrabel announced that he would not be with the team for day three of the NFL draft, electing to prioritize his family and attend counseling.
“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 told ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “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.”
Now, Vrabel has taken the next step following counseling and returned to the team, per NBC Sports Boston.
After stepping away from the Patriots to seek counseling and missing Day 3 of the NFL Draft, head coach Mike Vrabel is back in the office Monday, according to @PhilAPerry ⬇️
More on Vrabel’s weekend absence here 🔗 https://t.co/HqdmX4VynO pic.twitter.com/54OkfM1NBh
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) April 27, 2026
Fans reacted to Vrabel’s return on social media.
“Vrabel skipping Day 3 for family says everything about the Patriots reset. Belichick was famously available 24/7. Different era now,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Respect that… family first, then back to business. Balance is everything,” someone else added.
“Missed Day 3 of the draft… still got the real job done where it matters. Family first, football always,” one fan added.
It’ll be interesting to see how long it takes Vrabel to fully reacclimate to his coaching duties following his absence.
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.