Kevin Wildes Downplays Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini Saga with Blunt ‘Hand-Holding’ Remark

FOX Sports analyst Kevin Wildes is ready to overlook Mike Vrabel's offseason drama for the sake of another New England Patriots Super Bowl run.

Kevin Wildes Downplays Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini Saga with Blunt ‘Hand-Holding’ Remark

Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini, Kevin Wildes inside the circle (Image via IMAGO/X)

Ahead of the New England Patriots’ preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts, the scandal caused by Mike Vrabel’s alleged extramarital affair with NFL insider Dianna Russini became a hot topic on TV one more time. Kevin Wildes, Nick Wright and Chris Broussard discussed the matter on the FOX Sports First Things First show.

Vrabel led the Patriots to another Super Bowl appearance, first in the post-Tom Brady era. Then in the offseason, the scandal rocked the football world. Briefly, it seemed that Vrabel could lose his job, but the Patriots retained him.

With a few weeks left until week one football, staunch Patriots supporter Kevin Wildes is ready to turn over a new leaf. Wildes on FTF teased that he’s ready to sweep the offseason “hand-holding scandal” under the rug for another Super Bowl run.

Look, we’ve had a handful of scandals off the field, a hand-holding scandal for example, that rocked the world… hand-holding scandal. It was a scandal. The national media needed to stop them from holding hands.

Kevin Wildes said

Nick Wright, however, did not show leniency toward Mike Vrabel. Wright asserted that Vrabel embarrassed the Patriots organization through his actions.

Back in April, the New York Post published an article containing photos of Vrabel and Russini holding hands. Vrabel called the photos a “completely innocent interaction,” between him and Russini. However, the football fraternity wasn’t sold by his explanation.

The Athletic, the sports wing of the New York Times, for which Russini worked, launched an investigation. She eventually resigned from her post. Recently, Aaron Rodgers blasted the national media for ignoring the scandal.

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The Patriots play out a rare preseason draw

On Thursday, the Patriots welcomed the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium to kick off their preseason adventure. Vrabel rested nearly all of the starters, including quarterback Drake Maye, wide receiver AJ Brown, and running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVyon Henderson.

Kevin Wildes Downplays Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini Saga With Blunt ‘Hand-Holding’ Remark
Mike Vrabel (Image via IMAGO)

2025 offseason acquisition Tommy DeVito played most of the snaps for the Patriots. DeVito threw for 13 completions from 22 tries for 138 yards and one touchdown pass. Vrabel gave first professional action to rookie seventh-round signal-caller Behren Morton. The former Texas Tech man completed 7 passes for 66 yards and took one sack.

Jamarian Miller ended as the lead back with 14 carries for 55 yards. Second-year receiver Kyle Williams scored the only touchdown of the fixture for New England. However, the game finished 13-13 thanks to Anthony Richardson scoring a TD using his legs for the Colts.

What did Mike Vrabel say about Christian Gonzalez missing the first preseason game?

Although Vrabel rested the starters, most of them still watched the game from the sidelines, barring a few. Among them was star DB Christian Gonzalez. Vrabel revealed Gonzalez and the others who did not dress on Thursday were due to injuries.

Everybody that was healthy practiced [Tuesday]… Those guys, we didn’t deem them healthy enough to go out there and participate. When they’re ready, they’ll be back out there. I feel like they’ve all tried to start camp with their own purpose. Gonzo [Christian Gonzalez] came out competitive and practiced and, I thought, improved. As good as he is, he knows he can still improve.

Vrabel said on 98.5 The Sports Hub

Gonzalez is in his contract year. The negotiations have been going on in the background. Despite that, the All-Pro corner has continued to show up at Practice.

Up next, the Patriots take on the Philadelphia Eagles. They close out the preseason by facing the Cleveland Browns.

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