Patriots QB Maye backs Vrabel, not worried about distraction - ESPN

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye called Mike Vrabel «a great human being» and said he doesn't believe the 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 been entangled in controversy since the New York Post published photos 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 photos.

Vrabel missed the third day of the draft to attend counseling.

Vrabel said he had to have hard conversations with the people 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.»

Asked whether 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.»

Maye, the third overall pick in 2024, who grew up in nearby Huntersville, North Carolina, led the Patriots to an appearance in Super Bowl 60 in just his second season. He was runner-up to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford for the