Has Mike Vrabel lost support from the New England Patriots fan base? We got the answer to that question this week.
Vrabel has received plenty of backlash ever since Page Six published photos of him lounging with former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini at a hotel in Arizona. Before the NFL Draft started last Thursday, photos of them spending time together at a bar in New York City were shared with the public.
“As seen in exclusive new pics obtained by Page Six, the New England Patriots coach and the NFL reporter were spotted together inside the dimly lit Tribeca Tavern in the early hours of March 11, 2020,” Page Six reported. “They sat close to each other while conversing at the bar, at one point appearing to share a kiss.”
Vrabel's situation took a turn last weekend when he missed Day 3 of the draft to undergo counseling. He issued a public apology to his family members and players.
“I can only say that whatever my family needs, that’s what I’m going to provide,” Vrabel said. “I’m confident that if I weren’t able to be here, we have people in place. I just know I’m going to take the necessary steps with the people I care about — that’s my family and this team.”
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Last Friday, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said Vrabel has lost his edge due to this scandal.
“I can just tell you factually he has not been the same the last two weeks in that building. The sense I’ve gotten talking to people is that bravado and everything else, I think this has taken a chunk out of that,” Breer said. “I really like Mike personally – I’ve covered him for a long time. I think deep down he’s a good guy with a good heart. I would say it’s like what you don’t want is that version of Mike Vrabel walking around for the next six weeks until summer. You want to find a way to get the full Mike Vrabel back.”
We're not sure if Patriots fans were made aware of this report from Breer, but they certainly gave Vrabel a morale boost this week.
Vrabel held a Q&A with Patriots season ticket holders on Tuesday night. Despite all the controversy surrounding him online, he received a standing ovation from the crowd in attendance. Footage of this interaction was shared by Barstool Sports.
Will Vrabel be allowed to coach this fall?
Prior to the start of the 2026 draft, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was asked if Vrabel will be disciplined by the league. He made it clear that a suspension isn't coming - at least not at this time.
"This is not a Personal Conduct Policy [situation], as we know of today," Goodell told ESPN's Mike Greenberg said. "It's a personal matter, and we'll leave it at that."
The Patriots have already said they "fully support" Vrabel despite all the drama surrounding him.
