Patriots coach Mike Vrabel focused on spring workouts after missing final day of draft last month

Mike Vrabel said his family and personal relationships are important, while his current priority is coaching and the excitement of working with the team. He acknowledged that everyone deals with matters outside football and emphasized that his focus is on what matters most right now. He said he cannot predict whether he will miss additional time, but he will be present and working in full force for the day. The Patriots began voluntary offseason practices, with some notable absences including Christian Gonzalez and Kayshon Boutte. Vrabel said attention is on the 44 new players added through free agency and the draft.

"“We all have to deal with things outside of here. And my focus and, obviously, the excitement I have for coaching is what is most important right now,” Vrabel said Wednesday in his first public comments to reporters since fulfilling his pledge to be away from the team on the final day of the NFL draft last month to begin counseling after photos were published of him with longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort."

"“I can only tell you I'm going to be there today. I can't tell you anything other than I'm going to be out there today in full force,” he said. “And I mean that because who knows what's going to come up? Anything could happen. So, I'm going to focus on today and the excitement that we've had and that we've built so far.”"

"The Patriots were on the field for the first of seven voluntary practices leading into next month's mandatory three-day minicamp. There were some notable absences, including cornerback Christian Gonzalez and receiver Kayshon Boutte. Gonzalez is eligible for a contract extension, and Boutte's name has come up in rumored trade discussions as the Patriots possibly look to add a top name pass catcher."

"But Vrabel said his attention is on the 44 new players that have been added to the roster through free agency and the draft. “This is a great opportunity, the spring, we don't have to worry about”"

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