More Patriots players break silence about Mike Vrabel amid Dianna Russini controversy

Members of the New England Patriots are doing their best to go through springtime workouts as the controversy involving head coach Mike Vrabel and longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini continues to hover over the organization. 

Safety Kevin Byard III previously had Vrabel as a head coach for six seasons with the Tennessee Titans before Byard signed with New England earlier this offseason. While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Byard indicated that he hasn't noticed anything different during his recent interactions with Vrabel. 

Mike Vrabel is still "the same old guy" amid Dianna Russini controversy

"(He’s) the same old guy, honestly," Byard said about Vrabel, per Karen Guregian of MassLive. "He’s the same guy that I recognize from being back in Tennessee, a guy that’s full of energy, coaching the entire team, running back and forth from offense, defense, special teams. I don’t see a difference whatsoever."

Tight end Hunter Henry, linebacker Robert Spillane, cornerback Christian Gonzalez, quarterback Drake Maye and rookie offensive tackle Caleb Lomu are among the Patriots players who have publicly voiced their support for Vrabel ever since pictures surfaced of the coach and Russini, who are married to other people, spending time together at an Arizona resort in late March. 

Russini eventually resigned from her role of covering the NFL for The Athletic, but more pictures and stories regarding the matter have since emerged. The Patriots reportedly are still "firmly behind Vrabel," but it remains unknown if he will again step away from the team at any point between now and the end of the preseason. Vrabel reportedly participated in counseling instead of being with Patriots staffers during the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

"He’s the loudest voice on the field," Byard added about Vrabel. "Just coaching the guys, making sure guys' technique is good, but at the same time, praising them when they do very well. It’s not like he’s [expletive] guys or nothing like that ... it’s definitely the same guy I recognize from Tennessee."

Romeo Doubs already has strong feelings about Mike Vrabel

Wide receiver Romeo Doubs did not have Vrabel as a head coach until Doubs signed with New England this past March. Nevertheless, Doubs seems to already feel strongly about Vrabel. 

"I love him," Doubs said about Vrabel on Tuesday. "Very energetic dude. A player’s coach, because I know at some point in his career, he’s played some really solid football here. It’s rare when you get a head coach who obviously was a player in this league, and worked his way through the ropes to be a really solid head coach ... I’m just very blessed and fortunate to be around him."