Members of the New England Patriots are doing their finest to undergo springtime exercises because the controversy involving head coach Mike Vrabel and longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini continues to hover over the group.
Security Kevin Byard III beforehand had Vrabel as a head coach for six seasons with the Tennessee Titans earlier than Byard signed with New England earlier this offseason. Whereas talking with reporters on Tuesday, Byard indicated that he hasn’t seen something totally different throughout his latest interactions with Vrabel.
Mike Vrabel remains to be “the identical previous man” amid Dianna Russini controversy
“(He’s) the identical previous man, truthfully,” Byard stated about Vrabel, per Karen Guregian of MassLive. “He’s the identical man that I acknowledge from being again in Tennessee, a man that’s stuffed with power, teaching your entire workforce, working backwards and forwards from offense, protection, particular groups. I don’t see a distinction in any way.”
Tight finish Hunter Henry, linebacker Robert Spillane, cornerback Christian Gonzalez, quarterback Drake Maye and rookie offensive sort out Caleb Lomu are among the many Patriots gamers who’ve publicly voiced their help for Vrabel ever since photos surfaced of the coach and Russini, who’re married to different individuals, spending time collectively at an Arizona resort in late March.
Russini ultimately resigned from her function of overlaying the NFL for The Athletic, however extra pictures and stories concerning the matter have since emerged. The Patriots reportedly are nonetheless “firmly behind Vrabel,” but it surely stays unknown if he’ll once more step away from the workforce at any level between now and the tip of the preseason. Vrabel reportedly participated in counseling as an alternative of being with Patriots staffers through the remaining day of the 2026 NFL Draft.
“He’s the loudest voice on the sector,” Byard added about Vrabel. “Simply teaching the fellows, ensuring guys’ method is sweet, however on the similar time, praising them once they do very effectively. It’s not like he’s [expletive] guys or nothing like that … it’s undoubtedly the identical man I acknowledge from Tennessee.”
Romeo Doubs already has sturdy emotions about Mike Vrabel
Huge receiver Romeo Doubs didn’t have Vrabel as a head coach till Doubs signed with New England this previous March. However, Doubs appears to already really feel strongly about Vrabel.
“I really like him,” Doubs stated about Vrabel on Tuesday. “Very energetic dude. A participant’s coach, as a result of I do know sooner or later in his profession, he’s performed some actually stable soccer right here. It’s uncommon if you get a head coach who clearly was a participant on this league, and labored his approach by way of the ropes to be a very stable head coach … I’m simply very blessed and lucky to be round him.”
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