Patriots captains break silence on Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini controversy

Apr 28, 2026 - 20:15
Patriots captains break silence on Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini controversy

As the talk around the New England Patriots has been about the relationship between Mike Vrabel and reporter Diann Russini, the team is focused on improving and building off the Super Bowl appearance from last season. With Vrabel back with the Patriots after missing Day 3 of the NFL Draft for counseling, team captains Hunter Henry and Robert Spillane speak about the situation with the head coach.

The two would speak on Tuesday, with team activities ongoing, about the situation and if it has impacted the team, with the tight end in Henry saying that he’s done a “great job” and how “it’s been the same Vrabes.” The linebacker in Spillane would echo the same sentiments.

“Coach coaches football. He keeps the main thing the main thing,” Spillane said, via MassLive. “I know he’s dealing with personal issues. But when we’re in the building, we speak football.”

“I think everyone’s personal relationship with coach is their personal relationship with coach,” Spillane continued. “That’s not for me to speak on. I love coach, and I’m going to be here to support him as he would be there to support me for anything.”

Patriots’ Hunter Henry has a message surrounding drama

Spillane would go on to talk about how 2026 is a “brand new year” for the Patriots, citing the improvement of the team as the main focus on not dealing with the controversy with Vrabel and Russini. Henry would send a message that puts any distractions to bed.

“I know you guys want to hear about everything that’s going on. To be honest with you, I’m just focused on what we got going on right now in this building with this team,” Henry said. “Obviously, we had a long season last year. A quick turnaround into the offseason, and we’re in a new building…We’re trying to build this team, we’re trying to come together. So I’m just focused on the guys in this locker room and trying to build it up again.”

It remains to be seen how impactful the drama will be, though the Patriots believe it won’t have any.

The post Patriots captains break silence on Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini controversy appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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