The remarks come after Vrabel and Russini were photographed together at a hotel in Arizona during the NFL’s league meeting. Russini has since spoken out and resigned from The Athletic amid an investigation, while Vrabel had remained quiet until Tuesday.
Vrabel opened by thanking reporters for their patience and framed the matter as private, saying he appreciated the efforts to keep personal issues from becoming distractions for the team.
He noted that he wanted to have candid conversations with the players before addressing the media and said it was never his intention for the players to speak before him, adding that he asked them to participate in the session nonetheless.
Vrabel also stressed the importance of not overshadowing the upcoming draft weekend, calling it an important time for the organization and the excitement surrounding new players who will join the team.
He emphasized that he has had difficult but constructive conversations with people he cares about—the organization, coaches, and players—and that those discussions have been positive. He said the team must make good decisions to be successful on and off the field and that his actions must not create distractions.
Closing with a personal pledge, Vrabel said he cares deeply about the team, will attack each day with humility and focus, and that he will deliver the best version of himself moving forward—for his family, the organization, the staff, the players, and the fans.
