New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has made a rare statement about his personal life amid a scandal involving former NFL reporter Dianna Russini. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Vrabel said, 'My family is great. I love Jen, I love the boys.' He did not directly address the nature of his relationship with Russini.
The scandal erupted in March when photos emerged of Vrabel and Russini holding hands and hugging at a luxury resort in Arizona. Additional images from recent years have since surfaced, including one allegedly showing them kissing at a New York City tavern in March 2020, months before Russini married Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt.
Vrabel issued an apology last month and said he was seeking counseling. He missed part of the NFL draft in April for this purpose. When asked if he would step away from the team again, he replied, 'Who knows what’s going to come up? Anything can happen. I’m going to focus on today.'
Russini, who resigned from The Athletic after the Arizona photos were leaked, has remained silent. Vrabel and his wife Jennifer have two sons, Tyler and Carter, while Russini shares two sons with Goldschmidt.
Former Patriots players have warned that Vrabel must address the situation with his team to maintain trust and leadership. The coach, however, declined to comment on how players have responded to his leadership, saying he did not want to speak for them.
