After an alleged extra-marital affair controversy with Dianna Russini put Mike Vrabel’s personal life into the spotlight, the Patriots head coach has seemingly put the drama in the past and is fully focused on the upcoming NFL season.
During a Patriots press conference on Friday, Vrabel took to the podium, addressing the team’s preparedness. However, the 50-year-old was not alone, as he was accompanied by a furry friend as part of the Pawtriots Program.
While Vrabel was just participating in an initiative by the team, fans claimed that this stunt was part of the head coach’s attempt to repair his public image after the scandal.
One fan claimed:
While another claimed:
One fan added:
One fan said:
The Pawtriots initiative is led by Dr. Dana Kraft and the Kraft Family and aims at improving the lives of animals. The program teams with animal shelters, helping to find shelter for rescue dogs.
Mike Vrabel Speaks On DeAndre Hopkins’ Coaching Future
After a disappointing season in Baltimore where he posted career-low stats with just 330 yards and two touchdowns on 22 catches, Hopkins is yet to make a decision on his next destination as a free agent.
However, Hopkins has previously stated that he’s not trying to take away minutes from any younger players by ‘forcing’ himself onto a team. During an interview with SiriusXM, Hopkins said:
“It’s not a situation I’m sitting here trying to force or go out and be the regular-season superstar because that’s for the young guys, man. That’s for the people that they want to develop and give those contracts for the future.”
Now, Hopkins is being considered for a coaching position. The veteran wideout visited the Patriots this week, trying his hand at a role on the other side of the painted lines.
While Vrabel wasn’t opposed to Hopkins pursuing a coaching career, the head coach claimed Hopkins still has a few seasons left in the tank.
“DeAndre Hopkins is here with us, just to kind of check things out as far as what he wants to do, as far as coaching. You’ll see him on the field,” Vrabel said.
The duo has spent five seasons together, with four years in Houston when Vrabel was an assistant coach and then a year in Tennessee with Vrabel as the head coach.
Read More:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
