FOXBOROUGH, MA — New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel explained Thursday why he would be stepping away from the team for the third and final day of the 2026 NFL Draft – scheduled for Saturday, April 25 – that includes Rounds 4-7.
"My priorities are my family and this football team – in that order. And there is a balance there that I am going to create," Vrabel said. "My family needs me this weekend, and that's where I'll be.
"Out of respect for my family, I won't have any more answers or comments to touch on."
Speaking deliberately and with multiple pregnant pauses, Vrabel said he wanted to take accountability for his actions that affected the people he cared most about, namely the team, his family and fans. He reiterated his thanks to owners Robert and Jonathan Kraft and the players for their support.
"My previous actions don't meet the standard of what I hold myself to – they don't," Vrabel said.
