New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has addressed the controversy over leaked photos with former The Athletic reporter Dianna Russini. The two were first seen together at a Sedona resort ahead of the NFL annual meeting, followed by additional images from a 2020 New York City outing during Vrabel’s time with the Tennessee Titans. The photos drew significant scrutiny, which has led Vrabel to publicly address his involvement.

“I take accountability for my actions and the actions that cause the distraction to the people that I care most about. My family, this football team, the organization, and our fans—my previous actions don’t meet the standard that I hold myself to,” Mike Vrabel said, per Yahoo Sports. “And what I believe is best for the two most important things in my life, my family and this football team, is for us to take the necessary steps to work together and to give them the best version of me, and that’s what we’re going to do, and that’s going to start.”

This admission from Mike Vrabel came after the Patriots confirmed that the head coach won’t be part of the third day of the NFL Draft on Saturday, as he will be “seeking counseling, starting this weekend.”

He also revealed he will be in contact with the Patriots, but Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf and Vice President of Player Personnel Ryan Cowden will lead the draft room.

Regardless, Vrabel is still expected to carry on with his duties. According to Ian Rapoport, he will be present in the team’s draft room as planned for the opening round of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23.

However, the situation could change later in the draft.

Vrabel confirmed he plans to step away from his duties before the final day to begin counseling. According to ESPN and other U.S. outlets, he said he wants to “give the best version” of himself to both his family and the team. As a result, he may not be present for Day 3 decisions, with the Patriots supporting his choice to prioritize personal matters.

While the photos released on April 7 have created a major controversy that has since shaken up the NFL world, another report revealing more pictures involving Mike Vrabel and Dianna Rusini was leaked in a recent article by Page Six.

After their pictures from the Ambiente resort in Arizona, Page Six has revealed a new set of photos involving Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini ahead of the NFL 2026 draft.

The Patriots coach and the NFL reporter were spotted together at Tribeca Tavern on March 11, 2020. They were sitting close to each other while conversing at the bar and sharing an intimate moment. In one of the photos, the pair appears to be kissing, while another shows them standing very close together.

Notably, the images date back to when Mike Vrabel was coaching the Tennessee Titans and Dianna Russini was working for ESPN. An eyewitness quoted by the outlet described the moment, saying, “They were all over each other.”

“They were kissing, and they were all over each other,” the eyewitness added, as per Page Six. “He had a ring on.”

While the initial report caused a significant wave of attention in the NFL community for both Mike Vrabel and Dianna Rusinni, only time will reveal the true effect of these newly released pictures on their careers.