Patriots' Drake Maye Supports Mike Vrabel, Praises Stefon Diggs and Updates Injury Rehab

Amid recent controversy, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye weighed in this week on head coach Mike Vrabel and his former teammate in wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

Speaking to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN) while in Charlotte for the Truist Championship Pro-Am golf tournament, Maye threw his support behind Vrabel.

The quarterback called Vrabel a "great human being," and expressed his belief that Vrabel's recent media coverage won't be a distraction for the Patriots this coming season, saying: "No, I don't. I mean, he's our head coach. I think he's done a great job of talking to us and talking us through it. I'm just looking forward to getting back to work and getting ready."

Last month, Oli Coleman of the New York Post's Page Six published photos of Vrabel and NFL insider Dianna Russini, then of The Athletic, spending time together at a resort in Arizona.

Vrabel and Russini, who are both married to other people, initially denied that their meetup was anything other than professional in nature.

However, Vrabel later announced his intention to seek counseling, and he was not with the Patriots for Day 3 of the 2026 NFL draft last month as a result.

In a statement, Vrabel stressed the importance of being the best person possible for himself and his family through going to counseling.

"As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend," Vrabel said. "This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them.

"I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be. This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result."

Russini resigned from her position at The Athletic, and more photos showing Vrabel and Russini together at a bar in 2020 were later published by Teresa Roca of Page Six.

As for Diggs, Maye wished him the best in whatever his next steps are in the NFL following his release from the Patriots earlier this offseason.

"Well, you know, he's always been a great teammate to me, and I know he'll do great things," Maye said. "I was fortunate enough to have a year with him, and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to him. He's a great player."

In the one season Maye and Diggs played together, Diggs was the Patriots' leading receiver in terms of catches (85) and receiving yards (1,013) to go along with four touchdowns.

The 32-year-old Diggs, who is still a free agent, was found not guilty Tuesday on charges of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery, stemming from a December incident involving his personal chef.

Maye is coming off the best season of his young career, as he finished second in the NFL MVP voting and led the Patriots to a Super Bowl appearance before falling to the Seattle Seahawks.

While Maye fought through a shoulder injury late last season, he told reporters this week that he feels "great" and did not need surgery, adding, "Nothing, nothing, no problems at all."