New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye voiced strong support for head coach Mike Vrabel on Wednesday, calling him “a great human being” after reports surfaced that Vrabel rented a private boat with former NFL reporter Dianna Russini while she was seven months pregnant in 2021.
Maye, speaking to reporters after a public appearance, said he does not expect the latest off-field developments involving his coach to become a distraction for the team heading into the season.
“I know he’s got the right mindset, and I know he’s a great human being,” Maye told The Associated Press. “I think he’s … like I said, I love playing for him.”
The comments mark the latest show of backing from the Patriots’ young quarterback for Vrabel, who has faced scrutiny over his relationship with Russini, a married former ESPN and The Athletic reporter who resigned from the latter outlet earlier this year. Both Vrabel and Russini were married to other people at the time of the reported outing.
TMZ Sports reported Tuesday that Vrabel and Russini rented the boat for two to three hours in Putnam County, Tenn., in June 2021. Russini gave birth to her first son, Michael Andrew, two months later on Aug. 7, 2021. Documents obtained by the outlet showed the pair signed waivers for the private outing on the water while Vrabel was head coach of the Tennessee Titans.
The report adds to earlier published photos from multiple locations dating back to 2020 that showed Vrabel and Russini together, including at a luxury resort in Sedona, Ariz. Both have denied any romantic involvement and said the images did not tell the full story. Vrabel stepped away briefly for counseling earlier this year. The NFL investigated and cleared him of any policy violations.
Patriots officials have said the organization is focused on football and that Vrabel addressed the team about the situation.
Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, has repeatedly emphasized his relationship with Vrabel, who was hired as New England’s head coach before the 2025 season. The quarterback said Wednesday that Vrabel has kept the locker room informed and that players are ready to move forward.
“No, I don’t,” Maye said when asked if the off-field news would affect team preparations. “I’m just looking forward to getting back to work and getting ready.”
The Patriots open training camp later this summer as they look to build on last season’s improvement under Maye and Vrabel.
Flip the pages for boat signatures and Vrabel and Russini all over each other.
