Patriots Player Praises Mike Vrabel For 'Being Open And Honest' Amid Dianna Russini Scandal
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Patriots Player Praises Mike Vrabel For 'Being Open And Honest' Amid Dianna Russini Scandal originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel returned to the team on Monday after spending the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft undergoing counseling amid the fallout from the Dianna Russini controversy.
Vrabel has received praise and support since his return from players like quarterback Drake Maye and tight end Hunter Henry.
Offseason signing Alijah Vera-Tucker talked Thursday about the AP Coach of the Year's discussions with the team.
"I think just being open and honest. I think that’s key in any relationship, and I give credit to him," the 26-year-old guard said, according to MassLive.com Patriots beat reporter Mark Daniels. "He’s very honest with us, very open as well. I don’t think a lot of people would be able to do that. I respect that a lot. And like I said, I’m excited to be coached by Vrabel. I think he’s a phenomenal coach in this league."
Vera-Tucker signed a three-year, $42 million contract with New England in March, one month before the Russini-Vrabel scandal began.
"We have family meetings where we really get to know the guys," the lineman said, per Daniels. "So for me, that’s great. My first year being here and then just a work ethic from each and every guy, man, on the field, in the weight room, I could definitely tell each guy wants to get back to where we were last year."