New England Patriots coach and former Ohio State player and assistant coach Mike Vrabel addressed photos published in the New York Post. Those photos showed Vrabel together with The Athletic's former NFL Insider Dianna Russini.

Pictures in the New York Post April 7 showed the two hugging on a rooftop at the Ambiente in Sedona, Arizona, and hanging out poolside in bathing suits. Both are married to other people with whom they have children.

"I've had some difficult conversations with people I care about about − with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players," Vrabel said in an opening statement to the press on April 21. "Those have been positive and productive. We believe in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me. That starts with me. We never want our actions to negatively affect the team. You never want to be the cause of a distraction."

"... 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. That's what I know and I'm excited to do that," Vrabel continued.

Ohio State University OSU football player Mike Vrabel for Fall 1994 seasonOhio State's Randall Brown (56), Mike Vrabel (94) and Ryan Miller (43) combine to stop Purdue's Edwin Watson on Oct. 22, 1994.Mike Vrabel vs. Wisconsin on Nov. 8, 1994Luke Fickell is swarmed by teammates after intercepting a Michigan pass late in the game to end their hopes of a comeback on Nov. 19, 1994.Mike Vrabel tests his strength at a midway game at Universal Studios in Orlando. He and the rest of the team were hosted at the movie theme park on Dec. 26, 1994.Ohio State's Mike Vrabel (94) pulls down Crimson Tide quarterback Jay Barker during the CompUSA Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando on Jan. 2, 1995.Ohio State defensive ends Mike Vrabel (left) and Matt Finkes kid around a little during practice on Aug. 16, 1995.Ohio State's Mike Vrabel (94) tackles Pitt's Demetrius Harris on Sept. 23, 1995.Ohio State's Mike Vrabel (94), Ryan Miller (43) and Obie Stillwell (32) are all smiles after the victory against Wisconsin on Oct. 14, 1995.Ohio State's Mike Vrabel, right, blocks a punt by Purdue's Rob Deignan on Oct. 21, 1995.Ohio State's Mike Vrabel (94) and Matt Finkes (92) high five after sacking Purdue quarterback John Reeves on Oct. 21, 1995.Mike Vrabel (94) of Ohio State pursues Purdue running back Edwin Watson (36) on Oct. 21, 1995.Ohio State's Jeff Wilson (91) and Mike Vrabell (94) get pressure on Iowa quarterback Matt Sherman on Oct. 28, 1995.Minnesota quarterback Jason Murdock (19) is brought down by Ohio State's Jeff Wilson (91) and Mike Vrabel (94) on Nov. 4, 1995.Michigan quarterback Brian Griese runs away from Ohio State defensive end Mike Vrabel (94) on Nov. 25, 1995.The Ohio State defensive line brings down Rice quarterback Chad Nelson on Sept. 7, 1996. The Buckeyes include Matt Finkes (92), Greg Bellisari (30), Rob Kelly (34) and Mike Vrabel (94).Ohio State's Mike Vrabel (94) and Andy Katzenmoyer (45) celebrate over a sacked Minnesota's Cory Sauter (17) on Nov. 2, 1996.Ohio State's Mike Vrabel (94) chases down an Indiana Hoosiers runner in Bloomington on Nov. 18, 1996.Earle Bruce and his familar pork pie hat are silhoutted as he speaks to current Ohio State head coach John Cooper and players Matt Finkes (92) and Mike Vrabel (94).Linda Lease of Columbus gets an autograph from Ohio State's Mike Vrabel before the Buckeyes head to the Rose Bowl on Dec. 25, 1996.Ohio State's linebacker coach Mike Vrabel watches during practice on Aug. 8, 2011.Ohio State's Andrew Sweat (42) and linebacker coach Mike Vrabel, right, shown at football practice August 16, 2011, at Woody Hayes Athletic Center.Ohio State Buckeyes coach Mike Vrabel vs. University of Akron Zips at Ohio Stadium, September 3, 2011.Assistant coach Mike Vrabel gives instructions during a break in an NCAA College football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and University of Toledo Rockets at Ohio Stadium, September 10, 2011.Ohio State Buckeyes coach Mike Vrabel against the Miami Hurricanes during their NCAA college game at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Fla., September 17, 2011.Ohio State Buckeyes assistant Mike Vrabel coaches during the NCAA football game against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Ohio Stadium in Columbus, September 25, 2011.Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer (left) introduces his linebackers coach Mike Vrabel during the intermission of a Buckeyes men's basketball game on Jan. 15, 2012.Ohio State's Joel Hale (51) and assistant coach Mike Vrabel enjoy a little celebration of their own after an interception by Doran Grant on Sept. 22, 2012.Ohio State defensive line coach Mike Vrabel watches as cornerback Armani Reeves runs through drills during spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 2, 2013.From right, Ohio State defensive coaches Mike Vrabel and Luke Fickell and heach coach Urban Meyer motion from the sideline during the NCAA football game against Buffalo at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 31, 2013.Coach Mike Vrabel high fives Dylan Hershberger, 6, being held by his dad Joe Hershberger of Dalton, Ohio as the team walks into the Skull Session prior to the NCAA football game against San Diego State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 7, 2013.Defensive line coach Mike Vrabel gives Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Adolphus Washington (92) some advice before the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 7, 2013.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Steve Miller (88) celebrates his sack of San Diego State Aztecs quarterback Quinn Kaehler with defensive line coach Mike Vrabel at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on September 7, 2013.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coach Mike Vrabel jumps with defensive lineman Steve Miller (88) after Miller sacked San Diego's quarterback in the first quarter of a football game on Sept. 7, 2013 at Ohio Stadium.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Adolphus Washington (92) celebrates with defensive line coach Mike Vrabel in the third quarter of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 28, 2013. The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 31 - 24.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Steve Miller (88) celebrates with coach Mike Vrabel during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, IN on Saturday, November 2, 2013.Ohio State defensive line coach Mike Vrabel congratulates defensive lineman Steve Miller (88) after making a tackle for a loss during the fourth quarter of the NCAA football game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. on Nov. 2, 2013.1 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State University OSU football player Mike Vrabel for Fall 1994 season1 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State University OSU football player Mike Vrabel for Fall 1994 season2 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State's Randall Brown (56), Mike Vrabel (94) and Ryan Miller (43) combine to stop Purdue's Edwin Watson on Oct. 22, 1994.3 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachMike Vrabel vs. Wisconsin on Nov. 8, 19944 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachLuke Fickell is swarmed by teammates after intercepting a Michigan pass late in the game to end their hopes of a comeback on Nov. 19, 1994.5 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachMike Vrabel tests his strength at a midway game at Universal Studios in Orlando. He and the rest of the team were hosted at the movie theme park on Dec. 26, 1994.6 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State's Mike Vrabel (94) pulls down Crimson Tide quarterback Jay Barker during the CompUSA Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando on Jan. 2, 1995.7 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State defensive ends Mike Vrabel (left) and Matt Finkes kid around a little during practice on Aug. 16, 1995.8 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State's Mike Vrabel (94) tackles Pitt's Demetrius Harris on Sept. 23, 1995.9 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State's Mike Vrabel (94), Ryan Miller (43) and Obie Stillwell (32) are all smiles after the victory against Wisconsin on Oct. 14, 1995.10 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State's Mike Vrabel, right, blocks a punt by Purdue's Rob Deignan on Oct. 21, 1995.11 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State's Mike Vrabel (94) and Matt Finkes (92) high five after sacking Purdue quarterback John Reeves on Oct. 21, 1995.12 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachMike Vrabel (94) of Ohio State pursues Purdue running back Edwin Watson (36) on Oct. 21, 1995.13 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State's Jeff Wilson (91) and Mike Vrabell (94) get pressure on Iowa quarterback Matt Sherman on Oct. 28, 1995.14 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachMinnesota quarterback Jason Murdock (19) is brought down by Ohio State's Jeff Wilson (91) and Mike Vrabel (94) on Nov. 4, 1995.15 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachMichigan quarterback Brian Griese runs away from Ohio State defensive end Mike Vrabel (94) on Nov. 25, 1995.16 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachThe Ohio State defensive line brings down Rice quarterback Chad Nelson on Sept. 7, 1996. The Buckeyes include Matt Finkes (92), Greg Bellisari (30), Rob Kelly (34) and Mike Vrabel (94).17 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State's Mike Vrabel (94) and Andy Katzenmoyer (45) celebrate over a sacked Minnesota's Cory Sauter (17) on Nov. 2, 1996.18 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State's Mike Vrabel (94) chases down an Indiana Hoosiers runner in Bloomington on Nov. 18, 1996.19 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachEarle Bruce and his familar pork pie hat are silhoutted as he speaks to current Ohio State head coach John Cooper and players Matt Finkes (92) and Mike Vrabel (94).20 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachLinda Lease of Columbus gets an autograph from Ohio State's Mike Vrabel before the Buckeyes head to the Rose Bowl on Dec. 25, 1996.21 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State's linebacker coach Mike Vrabel watches during practice on Aug. 8, 2011.22 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State's Andrew Sweat (42) and linebacker coach Mike Vrabel, right, shown at football practice August 16, 2011, at Woody Hayes Athletic Center.23 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State Buckeyes coach Mike Vrabel vs. University of Akron Zips at Ohio Stadium, September 3, 2011.24 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachAssistant coach Mike Vrabel gives instructions during a break in an NCAA College football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and University of Toledo Rockets at Ohio Stadium, September 10, 2011.25 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State Buckeyes coach Mike Vrabel against the Miami Hurricanes during their NCAA college game at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Fla., September 17, 2011.26 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State Buckeyes assistant Mike Vrabel coaches during the NCAA football game against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Ohio Stadium in Columbus, September 25, 2011.27 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State football coach Urban Meyer (left) introduces his linebackers coach Mike Vrabel during the intermission of a Buckeyes men's basketball game on Jan. 15, 2012.28 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State's Joel Hale (51) and assistant coach Mike Vrabel enjoy a little celebration of their own after an interception by Doran Grant on Sept. 22, 2012.29 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State defensive line coach Mike Vrabel watches as cornerback Armani Reeves runs through drills during spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 2, 2013.30 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachFrom right, Ohio State defensive coaches Mike Vrabel and Luke Fickell and heach coach Urban Meyer motion from the sideline during the NCAA football game against Buffalo at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 31, 2013.31 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachCoach Mike Vrabel high fives Dylan Hershberger, 6, being held by his dad Joe Hershberger of Dalton, Ohio as the team walks into the Skull Session prior to the NCAA football game against San Diego State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 7, 2013.32 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachDefensive line coach Mike Vrabel gives Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Adolphus Washington (92) some advice before the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 7, 2013.33 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Steve Miller (88) celebrates his sack of San Diego State Aztecs quarterback Quinn Kaehler with defensive line coach Mike Vrabel at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on September 7, 2013.34 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State Buckeyes defensive coach Mike Vrabel jumps with defensive lineman Steve Miller (88) after Miller sacked San Diego's quarterback in the first quarter of a football game on Sept. 7, 2013 at Ohio Stadium.35 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Adolphus Washington (92) celebrates with defensive line coach Mike Vrabel in the third quarter of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 28, 2013. The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 31 - 24.36 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Steve Miller (88) celebrates with coach Mike Vrabel during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, IN on Saturday, November 2, 2013.37 / 37Mike Vrabel’s journey from Ohio State to New England Patriots coachOhio State defensive line coach Mike Vrabel congratulates defensive lineman Steve Miller (88) after making a tackle for a loss during the fourth quarter of the NCAA football game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. on Nov. 2, 2013.Vrabel declined to offer any details about his relationship with Russini, calling the situation a "personal and private matter."

Vrabel said he would have addressed the media sooner, but wanted a chance to speak to his players first, which he did on April 20. He said any comments he made to the team and any questions he answered would be kept private. Vrabel also declined to elaborate on any recent conversations with Robert Kraft and Patriots ownership, according to USA TODAY.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed to USA TODAY Sports on April 20 that Vrabel is not under investigation for any violation of the league's personal conduct policy.

Russini, on the other hand, is under internal investigation by the New York Times, which owns The Athletic. Before that investigation concluded, Russini resigned from her role on April 14.

Vrabel declined to comment about Russini directly after his opening statement, according to USA TODAY.

An Ohio State football defensive end from 1993-1996, Vrabel was drafted in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played for the Patriots from 2001 to 2007.

Vrabel was the head coach of the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023 and was fired after the 2023 season. After a year's hiatus, he became the head coach of the Patriots for the 2025 season, leading them to a Super Bowl in his first year.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Mike Vrabel speaks on photos with reporter Dianna Russini