Christian Gonzalez echoes teammates regarding Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini controversy

New England Patriots players likely understand that they will no longer be able to avoid questions about the controversy involving head coach Mike Vrabel and longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini, which continues to hover over the franchise this spring. 

Multiple New England starters had already voiced their support for Vrabel before cornerback Christian Gonzalez was asked about the situation during a recent charity softball event.

Christian Gonzalez still seems to want to play for Mike Vrabel

"We’re not gonna speak on what we talked about inside the building," Gonzalez said about conversations that happened behind the scenes, per Lauren Campbell of MassLive. "But I mean, that’s my coach. That’s who I go out there and play for."

After pictures were published showing Vrabel and Russini spending time together at an Arizona resort in late March, he revealed that he addressed the team at the start of New England's offseason program. Vrabel and Russini are married to other people, and she resigned from her role of covering the NFL for The Athletic in April. 

Since then, different photos have emerged of Vrabel and Russini sharing a kiss and "sitting very close to each other" at a New York City bar in March 2020. He was away from the team on the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft (April 25) so that he could reportedly participate in counseling, and he suggested that he could miss future work-related events if he feels his family "needs" him to do so. 

Tight end Hunter Henry, linebacker Robert Spillane, quarterback Drake Maye and veteran guard Alijah Vera-Tucker are among the Patriots players who have publicly supported Vrabel since the first Russini-related story went public. Gonzalez left no doubt that he feels the same as those teammates. 

Christian Gonzalez is ready to "ride behind" Mike Vrabel amid controversy

"He’s proven to what he can do as a coach," Gonzalez added about Vrabel. "That’s my guy, and I ride behind Vrabes any time of the day." 

In his first year as New England's head coach, Vrabel guided the club to a conference title and a trip to the Super Bowl. Thus, it's understandable that his players are backing him this spring. 

However, it remains to be seen if things will change depending on what else is learned about the relationship involving Vrabel and Russini. Additionally, one can't help but wonder if some Patriots players will eventually grow annoyed with having to repeatedly face questions related to this controversy through the summer months.