Mike Vrabel Speaks With Patriots Top Draft Pick Caleb Lomu
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was in the draft room when the franchise selected 6-foot-6, 310 lbs offensive lineman Caleb Lomu in the first round.
The Patriots traded up to get their man with the No. 28 overall pick, sending their No. 31 overall pick and a fourth-round selection to the Buffalo Bills.
Vrabel got on the phone to speak with Lomu after the Patriots' selection.
"Caleb, how are you man? This is Coach Vrabel," he said.
"I'm doing good coach, how are you doing?" Lomu replied.
Vrabel is famously in the midst of a serious off-field scandal involving NFL reporter Dianna Russini. The two were spotted holding hands and embracing at a luxury Arizona resort earlier this month.
And just hours before the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday, new photos of their alleged affair emerged - dating all the way back to 2020.
Both Vrabel and Russini are married to other people, and each have two children with their respective partners.
"Doing great, man. Congratulations. We're excited to have you," Vrabel responded to Lomu. "I hope you're with your family and you're enjoying this. We can't wait to get you here and give you a chance to help this football team."
TRENDING: This video of #Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel calling Caleb Lomu that he was drafting him has gone viral on social media.
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) April 24, 2026
Vrabel: "Doing great, man! I hope you're with your family."
WOW. pic.twitter.com/XOG2gCxhjz
Vrabel is still with the Patriots for Day 2 of the NFL draft on Friday. But starting on Saturday, the New England coach will be away from the team as he enters 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 in a statement on Wednesday. "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."
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 10:19 AM.