tioo Sports
Patriots GM Eliot Wolf gets honest about Mike Vrabel’s involvement with team as HC skips predraft conference


Mike Vrabel was absent from the New England Patriots’ predraft conference on Monday amid the controversy involving Dianna Russini. They were photographed holding hands and embracing on a private rooftop at a resort in Sedona, Arizona, on March 28. The pictures were published by Page Six on Tuesday, leading to backlash.

Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf addressed the media. He was asked about the absence of Vrabel from the podium; however, Wolf downplayed any concerns regarding the coach’s commitment or focus.

“Very involved,” Wolf said. “Business as usual.”

Patriots EVP Eliot Wolf was asked how involved Mike Vrabel has been in pre-draft meetings over the last week: “Very involved. Business as usual.” Said he’s been involved more than last year.

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

Wolf added that Vrabel has been more involved than last year in the evaluation of the 2026 prospect class. He led New England (14-3) to the 2026 Super Bowl and won the Coach of the Year award.

Also Read: Dez Bryant drops 1-word reaction to resurfaced clip of Diana Russini calling her husband “someone average” amid Mike Vrabel affair allegations

Also Read: “You need me to defend the Patriots”: Dave Portnoy speaks out after blocking Barstool from Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini’s alleged affair posts

Mike Vrabel on rumors involving Dianna Russini

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has maintained a dismissive stance regarding the viral photos of him and NFL insider Dianna Russini in Sedona, Arizona.

“These photos show a completely innocent interaction, and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” Vrabel said in a statement on Tuesday, via the New York Post. “This doesn’t deserve any further response.”

Vrabel’s camp stressed that he was in Arizona for a scouting visit at Arizona State and a league committee meeting. They added that he met with Russini as part of a group of six friends, and that the photos captured only isolated moments of a larger social gathering. Russini and The Athletic emphasized on Tuesday that the images lacked context.