Gonzalez affirms loyalty to Patriots coach Vrabel
New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez expressed strong support for head coach Mike Vrabel amid scrutiny over Vrabel's past association with reporter Dianna Russini. Gonzalez declined to detail an internal team discussion Vrabel addressed but called him "my guy" and said he would "ride behind Vrabes any time of the day." The comments came as other Patriots players echoed focus on football over the off-field matter.
Gonzalez spoke to reporters after captains Hunter Henry and Robert Spillane gave similar responses. Henry said the team remains "focused on what we got going on right now in this building." Spillane noted Vrabel "coaches football" and "keeps the main thing, the main thing" despite personal issues.
The Patriots issued a statement before the NFL draft's first round affirming full support for Vrabel, who has committed to counseling. Vrabel attended the draft's first two nights but stepped away for rounds four through seven to begin sessions. He described the step as delivering his "best version" to family, team and organization.
Photos surfaced showing Vrabel and Russini together at a Sedona, Arizona, resort and kissing at a New York City bar in the early hours of March 11, 2020. Russini, then with ESPN, married Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt six months later; they have two children. Vrabel, married to Jen since 1999 with two sons, wore his wedding band in the 2020 images; he coached the Tennessee Titans at the time.