The New England Patriots locker room is closing ranks around head coach Mike Vrabel as photos of him and former reporter Dianna Russini continue to make headlines. But if you ask the players, the only thing worth discussing is what happens between the white lines.
Linebacker Robert Spillane and tight end Hunter Henry both faced reporters Tuesday and made it clear: the team's attention is locked on the 2026 season, not on Vrabel's personal life. The photos, published by the New York Post, show Vrabel and Russini holding hands at an Arizona resort in March, with another image from 2020 surfacing later. Russini resigned from The Athletic earlier this month, but Vrabel remains at the helm of the Patriots.
“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.”
Henry echoed that sentiment, steering the conversation toward the team's preparations for a repeat of last season's stunning AFC title run. After winning just four games in 2024, Vrabel guided the Patriots to an improbable championship appearance, earning Coach of the Year honors. Now, the team is trying to build on that success from a new facility.
“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.”
Henry also addressed Vrabel's brief statement to the team last week, following the coach's absence on Day 3 of the NFL Draft to seek counseling. Vrabel returned Monday and addressed the squad without going into detail. Henry praised his coach's approach.
“I thought he did a great job,” Henry said. “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.”
The scandal has drawn comparisons to other recent controversies, including NFL fans roasting rumors about the Patriots eyeing Mike Tomlin as a potential successor. But for now, the players are standing by their coach. Spillane's message was blunt: the drama stays outside the building.
“He keeps the main thing the main thing,” Spillane repeated. “And that’s football.”
As the Patriots push forward, the focus remains on the field. Whether the off-field noise fades or grows, the locker room appears united behind Vrabel—at least for now.
