Naturally, Vrabel came locked and loaded with a response ...just not the kind you saw coming.Frankly, it's not the kind any of us saw coming, but I'll admit, it was a solid plan.The second-year coach showed up to his presser with a dog in hand.
That's right.A DOG.
A tiny little dog.It was all part of the Patriots' "Pawtriots" program, which is now in its second year.
Basically, the team opens the first day of training camp by hosting a dog adoption event.MIKE VRABEL UNTOUCHED BY DIANNA RUSSINI SCANDAL AT FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE OF PATRIOTS TRAINING CAMPNaturally, this worked perfectly in Vrabel's favor after one of the worst offseasons for a head coach that I can remember.Take a look at THIS:"Welcome everybody, it's good to see you guys," Vrabel said with a smirk to open the 2026 season."If anyone's looking to add to your roster at home, we'd love for you to be able to adopt these dogs."Amazing.
What a move by Vrabel and the Patriots.It's called zigging while others zag, and they nailed it.New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel holds a press conference before minicamp practice at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., on June 9, 2026.
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)Oh, you wanna hammer me with questions about my offseason of infidelity? Fine! You're gonna do it while I'm holding an abandoned puppy.Fire away, media!Of course, it worked! Like a charm, actually.
Vrabel didn't field one question about Dianna Russini, as OutKick's Armando Salguero noted on Friday:It was all football – which Vrabel deftly handles like Ted Williams did fastballs back in the day.Vrabel was asked about the status of second-round draft pick Gabe Jacas, who remains unsigned.Reporters indeed concentrated six of their 20 or so questions to Vrabel on the Jacas topic.How's the contract negotiations?How's his health?Football stuff.New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks at a news conference after an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Sunday,...