Patriots Players Comment On Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini Scandal

Two New England Patriots veterans backed Mike Vrabel as photos of him and Dianna Russini continue to draw attention.

The New York Post released photos of Vrabel and Russini holding hands at an Arizona resort in March, and another picture of them together in 2020 later leaked. Russini resigned from The Athletic earlier this month, but Vrabel remains the New England Patriots head coach amid a messy situation.

Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane downplayed Vrabel's off-field saga having any impact on the team when addressing reporters on Tuesday.

"Coach coaches football, and he keeps the main thing the main thing," Spillane said. "I know he's dealing with personal issues, but when we're in the building, we speak football."

Tight end Hunter Henry similarly shifted the attention to New England's on-field preparations for the 2026 season.

"Obviously, I know you guys want to hear about everything that's going on," Henry said. "But to be honest with you, I'm focused on what we got going on right now in this building, with this team."

"He addressed it"

Taking over a team that won four games in 2024, Vrabel led the Patriots to an improbable AFC title run. However, the reigning Coach of the Year has lost some of that goodwill as the public scrutinizes his alleged affair with Russini.

Hunry preferred to talk about the Patriots moving to a new facility and trying to repeat last season's success.

"I'm just focused on the guys in this locker room, and trying to build it from the ground up again," Henry said. "We got a long journey ahead of us, and we have to start somewhere, so we're starting right now."

Without disclosing any details, the 31-year-old discussed Vrabel's message to the team last week. Vrabel later gave a brief statement to reporters and returned to the team on Monday after missing Day 3 of the NFL Draft to seek counseling.

"I thought he did a great job," Henry said. "I mean, it's been the same Vrabes, bringing a lot of energy into the room. Obviously, he addressed it, and that's all I'll say about it."

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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 5:29 PM.