New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye called Mike Vrabel “a great human being,” and said he doesn’t think the head coach’s off-field issues will be a distraction for the defending AFC champions this upcoming season.
“No, I don’t,” Maye said. “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.”
Maye spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday following the Truist Championship Pro-Am in Charlotte in which he was paired with PGA Tour pro Gary Woodland on the back nine at Quail Hollow.
Vrabel has found himself entangled in controversy after the New York Post posted pictures of him with longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort. Vrabel said on April 24 that he was taking accountability for his actions without addressing specifics about the published photos.
Vrabel missed the third day of the draft to attend counseling.
Head coach Mike Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye were a successful pair in their first season together in New England. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Vrabel said he had to have hard conversations with the people that he cared about the most, including his family, his team and members of the Patriots organization. He added that, “My previous actions don’t meet the standard that I hold myself to. They don’t.”
When asked if the issues are something the Patriots will need to put behind them before the season, Maye said, “I think that’ll take care of itself.”
“I know he’s got the right mindset and I know he’s a great human being,” Maye added. “I think he’s … like I said, I love playing for him.”
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Maye, the third total decide in 2024 who grew up in close by Huntersville, North Carolina, led the Patriots to an look in Tremendous Bowl 60 in simply his second season. He was runner-up to Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford for the AP NFL MVP award in 2025.
Maye additionally addressed former Patriots teammate Stefon Diggs’ acquittal on prices that he assaulted his live-in private chef.
The fees stemmed from a Dec. 2 incident at his Massachusetts dwelling the place Jamila Adams testified that Diggs slapped and choked her throughout an argument.
Diggs had pled not responsible to a felony strangulation cost and a misdemeanor assault and battery cost. The jury deliberated for lower than two hours earlier than clearing Diggs of all prices. The acquittal in courtroom clears a path for the four-time Professional Bowl huge receiver to return to the sphere, though he might nonetheless face self-discipline from the NFL.
“Properly, you understand, he’s at all times been an amazing teammate to me and I do know he’ll do nice issues,” Maye mentioned. “I used to be lucky sufficient to have a yr with him, and I’m trying ahead to seeing what occurs to him. He’s an amazing participant.”
And as for the shoulder harm that hampered him down the stretch final season, Maye mentioned he is doing “nice.”
“Nothing, nothing, no issues in any respect,” mentioned Maye, including that he didn’t want surgical procedure.
The Patriots will host a three-day rookie minicamp starting Friday in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Reporting by The Related Press.
