New England Patriots’ head coach, Mike Vrabel, remains in the spotlight as reports claim the 50-year-old will skip day three of the NFL Draft. He appears to be seeking counseling after photos of him and former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini were leaked to the public.
Rich Eisen finally spoke about the recent developments around the alleged relationship between Vrabel and Russini and, like others, was left confused by the situation.
Rich Eisen Reacts To Mike Vrabel’s Anticipated Absence On Day 3 of NFL Draft
ESPN’s Mike Reiss elaborated on the ongoing situation and revealed that Vrabel and his family will be together, not in Massachusetts, later this weekend. The former Tennessee Titans head coach addressed the media, saying that counseling will help him and the Patriots moving forward.
“As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization, and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them,” Vrabel said. “In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend.
“This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them,” Vrabel added.
As Vrabel seeks further support, the NFL world continues to react, and Eisen addressed the drama during a segment of “The Rich Eisen Show.”
Eisen touches on the significance of Vrabel’s three-day absence, noting the immense impact he had and the accolades he earned in just one season with the Pats.
“After being in the draft room tonight, apparently, and then on Friday, and he is taking the weekend off, it is unique, I’ve never heard of anything like this,” Eisen said. “I don’t quite understand what is going on.”
Eisen, who is very familiar with both Vrabel and Russini, continues by displaying his unwavering support for the two amid the difficult time.
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“Whatever both he [Vrabel] and Dianna need to do in their current worlds or existences, whatever they need to do to live their lives in peace and harmony, I tip my cap to both people that I’ve known for quite some time,” Eisen added. “Vrabel obviously longer than Dianna, who has been a frequent guest on this show in her time with the Athletic and prior to that with ESPN.”
Despite his support for Vrabel and Russini, Eisen’s confusion about the situation remains the same.
“I don’t quite understand what is going on with Vrabel,” Eisen continued. “There are eight choices [draft selections] that need to be made, but clearly he needs to focus on his family life and his personal life, and I send my best to him and his family on that front. Whatever needs to be repaired, he’s clearly taking time away in a way that I’ve never heard of before.”
As Vrabel and Russini continue to receive attention, the NFL world shifts its focus to the start of the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday at 8 p.m. E.T.
