New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is in the midst of a year that’ll be hard to forget. With quarterback Drake Maye, he led the Patriots through a dramatic turnaround, earning the 2025 AP NFL Coach of the Year award. Not long after, the Patriots made it to the Super Bowl. It was the first time in a long time that the team looked like it did during the Bill Belichick era. But all of these successes were marred by the recent controversy involving Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini. However, the Boston community is willing to look past the scandal. 

On Tuesday, Boston Magazine named Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye as the top “Most Influential Bostonians” in their May 2026 issue.

The recognition comes after the Patriots went back to their winning ways after back-to-back losing seasons raised serious questions about the franchise’s future. Mike Vrabel, in his second season as the Patriots’ head coach, took them to their first Super Bowl since the Tom Brady era. This result deserved such a nod. It was a dominant run through and through, with a strong showing towards the end of the season.

Top Stories

NFL

ESPN’s Laura Rutledge Turns Heads With NFL Draft Outfit

4 days ago

NFL

Mike Tomlin Emerges as Replacement if Robert Kraft Fires Mike Vrabel Over Russini Drama & Poor Performance: Insider

19 hrs ago

NFL

“It Was a Miracle”: Kentucky Man Says Ex-Giants Kicker Younghoe Koo’s Botched FG Unexpectedly Saved His Life

23 hrs ago

NFL

Troy Aikman Sends Prayers as Cowboys Legend Mourns Tragic Personal Loss

1 day ago

NFL

Couple Behind the Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel Photos Could Be Headed to Court

2 days ago

Where Do the Patriots Still Lack Elite Talent?

Let Tony do the scouting, you just make the pick.

Pick your positions. Get Tony’s top 5:

QB

RB

FB

WR

TE

C

CB

DE

DT

G

ILB

OLB

P

PK

S

T

View Tony’s Picks

At the same time, Drake Maye’s rapid growth in just his second year in the NFL accelerated the Patriots’ rebuild. In 2024, Maye recorded just 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and ten interceptions while starting 12 games. But during the 2025 season, Maye started all 17 regular-season games, recording 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions, putting himself firmly in the MVP conversation.

From 4-13 in 2024, the Patriots jumped to 14-3 in 2025. They didn’t win the Super Bowl, but according to Boston Magazine, it gave fans something they “had no right to expect: joy.” 

“That was their gift. And it transcended football. …They showed this city what it looks like to overcome adversity—on the field and off. For a city that needed it, the joy was real. That doesn’t go away,” the publication added.

Mike Vrabel was nothing short of a hero for making all of this happen at New England. But all of his hard work is overshadowed by the controversy that broke out, involving him and Dianna Russini. Many have called for him to step down because of it, completely disregarding the fact that he orchestrated this much-needed turnaround for one of the winningest teams in NFL history. Boston Magazine and Vrabel’s loyal fans may still be advocating for the narrative to shift away from his personal life. But will a scandal this big help make this happen?

Mike Vrabel is still facing scrutiny over his ties to Russini 

The timing of this honor comes at a rather peculiar time. Throughout this month, Mike Vrabel has remained under public spotlight due to the reports of his alleged affair with Russini. The controversy began when the New York Post published photos of Vrabel and Russini holding hands and embracing at a resort in Arizona. Soon after, both Vrabel and Russini issued aligned statements denying any affair speculations. 

Still, the story refused to fade as more photos of Vrabel and Russini surfaced, this time dating back to 2020. This came right after Vrabel opting for a low profile. Citing family, he backed out of attending the final day of the draft. But these photos brought him back to square one. 

Amid such troubles, Boston Magazine recognizing him as an influential figure brings some relief. The publication also told Front Office Sports that the decision to rank Vrabel and Maye as No. 1 on their list was made long before this controversy began. But it probably won’t do much to douse the fire around the talented head coach.

Matt Cannata of Pro Football & Sports Network thought that Mike Vrabel could eventually resign if the scrutiny got too much for him and the team. If that happens, it surely will be a massive letdown in his career and for New England’s future, especially after bringing so much success to the team.