Rob Gronkowski Says Winning Is the Only Cure for Patriots’ Distractions

The New England Patriots’ offseason began in a rocky fashion. Head coach Mike Vrabel found himself explaining his extramarital relationship with The Athletic’s NFL insider, Dianna Russini. Although many have moved on, a scandal of such scale can’t be forgotten easily.

Former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has a solution. The Super Bowl winner is no stranger to public chatter about his personal life outside of the gridiron. Gronk, as most like to call him, believes the Patriots must focus on winning games in the upcoming season.

If you win, it solves all problems. It really does. It’s crazy how winning in the NFL, it truly does and you’re good to go there. You gotta win, baby.

Rob Gronkowski said to Fox News Digital (H/T FOX News)

In April, close photos of Vrabel and Russini hit the internet hard. Initially, many found it hard to comprehend the situation, given Vrabel’s upstanding moniker in the football world. However, the consensus slowly changed as further evidence surfaced. Russini resigned from her post, and Vrabel took some time off to undergo counselling.

The Patriots appointed Vrabel as the new head coach ahead of the 2025 season. In his debut year, the Patriots reclaimed supremacy in the AFC East. Wins against the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, and Denver Broncos helped them reach a Super Bowl for the first time since the Tom Brady era. Unfortunately, the Seattle Seahawks proved to be a difficult opponent. They lost 29-13.

NFL insider sounds the alarm bell for Mike Vrabel

Russini went completely radio silent after quitting her job. Aside from occasional reports about her whereabouts and alleged heroic deeds, she has chosen not to address the scandal.

That doesn’t mean the issue has been resolved. The Athletic is still investigating the matter. Until they release a final verdict, this case remains open. As for Russini, she can resurface with all guns blazing. The question is when?

NBC Sports’ NFL analyst Mike Florio cultivated that scenario in a recent episode of Pro Football Talk.

Remember when the Patriots got the assignment to start the season Wednesday, September 9, I said, ‘Boy, Tuesday night, September 8, that’s a hell of a time for a live interview with Oprah or [the late] Morley Safer or someone where she can tell her whole story.

Florio theorized

For the neutral, that would be one hell of popcorn material. Not so much for the Patriots players who have stood behind their coach in his difficult days. Will their view change if Russini finally shares her side of the story?

That would throw a hell of a wrench into the Week 1 game between the Patriots and the [Seattle] Seahawks because I don’t know what she’s going to say, and nobody knows what she’s going to say. And she could say something that would create a fresh set of issues for Mike Vrabel.

Florio said

Until Russini comes clean, this episode will not end. As for the Patriots players, they have to think about how to make a swift return to the Super Bowl. Quarterback Drake Maye has a new WR1, AJ Brown. The Patriots traded for the All-Pro wideout after his June 1 deadline ended.

Meanwhile, the Patriots are still exploring the option of bringing Stefon Diggs back for another year. Last season, Diggs led the Patriots’ receivers in receptions and yards. However, the Patriots parted ways with him due to constant run-ins with the law.

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