New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will be seeking counseling starting this weekend and will miss the third day of the NFL Draft, scheduled for Saturday, as confirmed by a team source. ESPN was the first to report this news on Wednesday, with Vrabel releasing a statement in response.
“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,” Vrabel told ESPN. “In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend. 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 decision comes shortly after photos were published by The New York Post showing Vrabel at an Arizona hotel with Dianna Russini, who was then a senior NFL insider at The Athletic. Initially, both Vrabel and Russini, who are married to other individuals, dismissed the photos. Vrabel called them “laughable” in a statement to The New York Post.
Vrabel addressed the photos publicly for the first time in a news conference on Tuesday, mentioning that he had tough conversations with his family, organization, coaches, and players. Russini resigned from The Athletic last week.
The Patriots issued a statement in support of Vrabel’s decision to seek counseling ahead of the draft, expressing confidence in the leadership and communication that had been established during the pre-draft process. Vrabel is anticipated to participate in decision-making during the first three rounds of the draft before leaving the facility on Saturday.
The Patriots hold the 31st pick in the draft and will have eight picks on the third day, which will be overseen by Eliot Wolf, the team’s executive vice president of player personnel.
