Mike Vrabel is finally speaking out.
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About a week after photos surfaced linking him to former NFL reporter Dianna Russini, the New England Patriots head coach addressed the situation publicly for the first time.
Vrabel kept the focus on accountability and the people around him.
"I've had some difficult conversations with people that I care about," he told reporters, referencing talks with his family, players, and the organization. "We believe in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That starts with me."
The controversy stems from photos published earlier this month showing Vrabel and Russini together at a resort in Arizona. Both are married, and the situation quickly became a major talking point around the league. Russini later stepped down from her role while an internal review was underway.
Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Vrabel made it clear he addressed the matter privately with his team before speaking publicly.
"I wanted to talk to the players first," he said, adding that those conversations would remain in-house.
Notably, the NFL is not currently reviewing the situation for a potential violation of its personal conduct policy.
With the draft approaching, Vrabel also emphasized timing. He said he didn't want the situation to overshadow a key moment for the franchise as it prepares to add new players.
"What I can promise you is that my family, this organization, the team, the staff, the coaches, everybody, our fans most importantly, will get the best version of me going forward," he said.
"That's what I know, and I'm excited to do that."
