Patriots' Mike Vrabel shares if he expects to miss more work amid Dianna Russini controversy

In late April, Mike Vrabel confirmed he would be away from the New England Patriots for the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft so that he could participate in counseling amid the controversy involving the head coach and longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini.

At the time, Vrabel suggested he could miss more than just one work-related event if he felt that his "family needs" him. While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, he was asked if he could again temporarily step away from the team this spring or summer. 

Mike Vrabel may miss additional days of work amid Dianna Russini controversy

"I can only tell you I'm going to be there today," Vrabel responded, per Matt Schooley of CBS Boston. "I can't tell you anything other than I'm going to be out there today in full force, and I mean that, because who knows what's going to come up. I'm not even, you know, anything could happen, and so I'm going to focus on today and the excitement that we've had and built so far."

Russini resigned from her role of covering the NFL for The Athletic in April shortly after pictures surfaced showing her and Vrabel, who are married to other people, spending time together at an Arizona resort in late March. More pictures and stories regarding the matter have since gone public, but Vrabel reportedly has the "full support" of Patriots owner Robert Kraft. 

Numerous Patriots players have publicly backed Vrabel this spring, and there continues to be no indication that he is in any danger of losing his job. The NFL confirmed in April that it was not planning on investigating Vrabel under its personal conduct policy.

Mike Vrabel shares what's "important" for him ahead of the NFL's summer break

"We all have to deal with things outside of here," Vrabel added. "My focus, and the excitement I have for coaching, is what's important right now." 

According to Nicole Yang of the Boston Globe, Vrabel also spoke about balancing his family and football responsibilities.

"My family is great," Vrabel said. "I love [my wife] Jen. I love the boys [Tyler and Carter]. I love my personal friends."