New England PatriotsquarterbackDrake Mayeoffered his support for Mike Vrabel in his first comments since the 50-year-old coach'srelationship with former NFL reporter Dianna Russinicame under scrutiny.
Maye was asked about the drama surrounding Vrabel at an April 29 event promoting the upcoming Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port. His response?
"We’re here for coach. We love coach, what he does for us, what he’s done for us this past year – you can’t speak into words,"Maye told Jonathan Hall of 7News. "Just thankful he’s our head coach. I know he’s dealing with some stuff off the field and out of the coaching world, we’re here for him. And I know he’s going to come back."
Maye's comments come after Vrabel missed Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft to"begin to seek counseling" and be with his family. His decision came after he and Russini were photographed together at an exclusive Arizona resort ahead of the annual league meetings in late March.
The New York Post also published photos of the two interlocking hands and hugging. The outlet laterreleased what appeared to be more photos of the two– these from a New York bar and dating back to March 2020 – on April 23, the day the draft began.
VRABEL-RUSSINI TIMELINE:Patriots coach steps away from NFL draft
Vrabel addressed stepping away from the Patriots for Day 3 in a conversation with reporters later that day.
"My priorities are my family and this football team – in that order. And there is a balance there that I am going to create," Vrabel said. "My family needs me this weekend, and that's where I'll be."
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While Vrabel was absent from the team on April 25,he returned to the Patriots' facility on April 27.
Mike Vrabel’s career has taken him from standout player to head coach, with stops across multiple eras of the NFL.See the moments that chart Vrabel’s path through the years and onto the sidelines.
Above, Mike Vrabel speaks as he is introduced as head coach of the New England Patriots during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
See Mike Vrabel’s journey from Patriots standout to NFL head coach
Mike Vrabel’s career has taken him from standout player to head coach, with stops across multiple eras of the NFL.See the moments that chart Vrabel’s path through the years and onto the sidelines.Above, Mike Vrabel speaks as he is introduced as head coach of the New England Patriots during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Since then, several players – including tight endHunter Henryand linebackerRobert Spillane– have been asked about the maelstrom surrounding Vrabel.
Henry made it clear his focus was on preparing for the 2026 season but credited Vrabel with doing "a great job" addressing players amid his off-the-field issues.
"It's been the same Vrabes bringing a lot of energy in the room,"Henry told reporters on April 28. "Obviously, he addressed it, and that's kinda all I'll say about it."
Meanwhile, Spillane noted Vrabel's situation hasn't greatly impacted the team's ability to accomplish work during the NFL's offseason program.
"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."
Mike Vrabel gets standing ovation from Patriots fans
Maye and the Patriots players aren't the only ones who have offered support for Vrabel. New England's coach got a standing ovation at a Patriots season ticket holder event on April 28.
USA TODAY Sports' Chris Bumbaca also contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Drake Maye offers support for Mike Vrabel: 'We're here for coach'