New England Patriots
“It was very much the same old Vrabel that we observed a season ago.”
Mike Vrabel is back on the field for Patriots rookie minicamp ahead of OTAs. (Barry Chin/Globe Staff)
Mike Vrabel has had an eventful offseason, but not for the reasons Patriots fans would have hoped.
New England made a number of high-profile signings this offseason, and is reportedly on the verge of trading for wide receiver A.J Brown. But Vrabel has been dominating headlines for his alleged years-long relationship with NFL insider Dianna Russini.
That scandal cast a dark cloud over the Patriots’ offseason, and caused Vrabel to miss the final day of the NFL Draft to seek counseling with his family.
However, according to a recent report from Mike Giardi, the vibe in Foxborough is taking a turn for the better as of this week.
“A big thing that I noticed during rookie mini-camp this past weekend was how much energy Vrabel brought to the field, noting it was very much the same old Vrabel that we observed a season ago,” Giardi wrote. “It has been more difficult for him to find that balance behind closed doors; however, it has become more evident to people in the building, slowly but surely. And the on-field stuff? Well, let’s just say it wasn’t just a show for gathered media on Saturday.”
Vrabel’s culture-building was a key factor that allowed the Patriots to rebound in 2025 and not only compete for a playoff spot, but a Super Bowl as well. So, it made sense for some to wonder if his off-field fiasco would impact New England heading into the 2026 season.
But according to Giardi, those fears should subside.
The Patriots are set for a grueling 2026 slate, with matchups against the Chiefs, Seahawks, Lions, Bears, and Bills, among others. So, New England will need all the good vibes it can get if it hopes to make another deep playoff run this season.
Vrabel being as effective a coach as he was last season plays a major part in the Patriots’ success, along with surrounding Drake Maye with as much talent as possible, which the team appears poised to do if they are set to acquire Brown after June 1.
Newly acquired safety Kevin Byard gave Vrabel a vote of confidence based on what he’s seen from Vrabel, who was his coach in Tennessee, and is again in New England.
“Same old guy, honestly, same guy that I recognize from being back in Tennessee,” Byard said to Giardi. “A guy that is full of energy, coaching the entire team, running back and forth, from offense, defense, special teams. I don’t see a difference whatsoever.”
The Patriots will open the season in Seattle on Sept. 9, with Vrabel, Maye, and Byard leaving the way.
Get the latest Boston sports news
Receive updates on your favorite Boston teams, straight from our newsroom to your inbox.
