New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will miss the third day of the 2026 NFL Draft as he seeks counseling.
"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 told ESPN's Mike Reiss on Wednesday. "In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend."
Vrabel's commitment comes a day after the 50-year-old acknowledged that he had "difficult conversations" with his family and members of the Patriots organization in the wake of the New York Post publishing photos of him and former NFL reporter Dianna Russini at a resort in Arizona.
"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 continued.
He added, "I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result."
The NFL draft begins Thursday in Pittsburgh. Day 3, involving Rounds 4-7, takes place Saturday.
Vrabel also said that he would remain in contact with the team throughout Saturday but that executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden will lead the process.
"The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel's decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being," the Patriots said in a statement Thursday, according to Reiss. "Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team, and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment.
"We are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this predraft process."
