As the New England Patriots returned to the facility last week for the start of the voluntary offseason program, head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the team regarding his ongoing off-field situation.
“I thought he did a great job,” Hunter Henry said. “It’s been the same Vrabes, bringing a lot of energy in the room. So, I mean, obviously he addressed it and that’s kind of all I’ll say about it.”
Earlier this month, Page 6 released pictures of Vrabel embracing and holding hands with former Athletic reporter
Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort from March. The New York Post since released pictures of Vrabel and Russini together at a New York City bar in 2020.
After speaking with the team, Vrabel made a pair of statements to the media before stepping away from Day 3 of the NFL Draft on Saturday to attend counseling with his family.
Vrabel returned to the facility on Monday.
“Coach coaches football and he keeps the main thing the main thing,” fellow captain Robert Spillane said. “So I know he’s dealing with personal issues, but when we’re in the building we speak football.”
Spillane has a longstanding relationship with Vrabel, as he started his football career as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans. The two then reunited last offseason when Spillane signed a three-year contract with the Patriots in free agency.
“I love coach and I’m gonna be here to support him as he would be there to support me through anything,” Spillane said.
Spillane added that he’s looking forward to players getting back on the field in cleats next week as the offseason program continues — a reflection of where the team’s focus remains.
“I know you guys want to hear about everything that’s going on, but to be honest with you, we’re just focused. I’m focused on what we got going on right now in this building with this team,” Henry said. “Obviously I had a long season last year, quick turnaround into the offseason. We’re in a new building, and every year’s a new year, so we’re trying to build this team, we’re trying to come together.
“So I’m just focused on the guys in this locker room and trying to build it from the ground up again. We’ve got a long journey ahead of us and we’ve got to start somewhere, so we start right now.”
Workouts will continue through May, with OTA practices beginning May 27 and running into early June. Mandatory minicamp is currently scheduled for June 15–17. Speaking before the first round of the draft, Vrabel was noncommittal about whether he might miss additional team activities.
“I can only say that whatever my family needs, that’s what I’m going to provide,” Vrabel said. “But I also understand what’s needed for me here. This is an exciting time. We just finished our first week. Guys are excited. I see leaders developing, the new players that we brought on to the team, and I’m confident that if I weren’t able to be here, that we have people in place that can support them and do those things.
“So, I’m not sure what’s going to be needed of me, but I just know that I’m going to take the necessary steps with the people that I care about. That’s my family and this team.”
