Amidst the backdrop of a recent photo leak, Mike Vrabel addressed eager audiences at the 2026 NFL Draft. The images, published by Page Six, depicted Vrabel sharing an intimate moment with sports journalist Dianna Russini at a New York City bar, a scene captured six years prior.

At the time the March 2020 photographs were taken, Vrabel was still married to his wife, Jen Vrabel. Earlier this week, the New England Patriots coach announced he would be taking a temporary break, following another set of images that surfaced showing him and Russini sharing a tender moment at an Arizona resort in March.

“I have made a promise to my family, this organization, and my team to be the best version of myself,” Vrabel, now 50, shared with ESPN.

He further explained, “To fulfill this promise, I am committed to beginning counseling this weekend. It’s a decision I’ve considered thoroughly and one I would recommend to any player under similar circumstances.”

While Vrabel assured he would remain in communication with the Patriots’ team, he confirmed that he would be absent from Day 3 of the NFL Draft, set to take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, over the weekend.

Instead, he would be outside of Massachusetts with his college sweetheart, whom he wed in 1999, and their two sons.

In light of the news, the Patriots released the following statement to Page Six:

“The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being. Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment.

“We are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this pre-draft process. While he will not be present at the facility on Saturday, we know the draft evaluations are complete and [football executive] Eliot Wolf and his personnel staff are prepared to execute our draft as planned this weekend.”

The Patriots hold 11 selections and have the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Earlier this week, Mike appeared at a pre-draft presser at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where he finally broke his silence on the recent headlines.

He spoke about the “difficult conversations” he’d had with his family, calling the talks “positive and productive.”

The retired outside linebacker vowed to bring his loved ones — as well as his colleagues and players — the “best version” of himself “going forward.”

He added, “In order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me. That starts with me.”

Mike dodged questions about the scandal after his speech, telling press, “I appreciate your job and what you guys have got to do, but I have to make my comments and what I answer about our football team.”

When photos of Mike and Russini, 43, first surfaced on April 7, the latter claimed, “The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”

She subsequently resigned from the New York Times’ the Athletic, writing in her resignation letter, “I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.”

Vrabel, for his part, insisted, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.”

The two claimed they were with friends, although multiple eyewitnesses told us otherwise.

Page Six released additional pictures on Wednesday of Vrabel and Russini having breakfast at the luxury Arizona hotel.

As for the 2020 photos published Thursday, Vrabel — in addition to appearing to kiss Russini — sat close to the reporter at the Tribeca Tavern bar with his hand on her leg and arm.

Russini was six months shy of walking down the aisle with then-fiancé Kevin Goldschmidt at the time, with whom she now shares two sons.

“They were kissing and they were all over each other,” a source told us. “They were [giving each other] pecks, a bunch of pecks constantly.”

Reps for Vrabel and Russini have yet to comment on the latest headline-making snaps.

Fox News’ “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter offers insights into the troubling rise of anti-Jewish sentiment both in the United States and globally.

IN TODAY’S EDITION:
– Duke University halts operations of Students for Justice in Palestine after controversial Instagram post
– Freed hostage Rom Braslavski recounts his harrowing 738-day ordeal of abuse and starvation in Gaza
– Maine Senate front-runner faces backlash over Hamas praise and Nazi imagery

LEADING STORY: Duke University has taken a decisive step by suspending its Students for Justice in Palestine chapter following backlash over a provocative Instagram post. The image in question, portraying Zionism and U.S. Imperialism as pigs, echoes dehumanizing symbols reminiscent of extremist rhetoric from the 1970s. While the organization’s activities are on hold, voices from the community call for deeper accountability from the students responsible for this overt act of harassment.

The Duke University campus in Durham, North Carolina, was captured on Monday, June 16, 2025. (Cornell Watson/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: Popular Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, during an appearance on “Pod Save America,” made headlines by labeling the Republican Party as “the biggest domestic terrorist in this country” and on the global stage. WATCH HERE:

TWO YEARS IN HELL: Rom Braslavski, freed after 738 days in Gaza captivity, detailed horrific abuse, including starvation, physical torture, and sexual assault. Initially concealing his military status, his treatment worsened significantly after his identity was discovered. He survived on minimal food, endured isolation, and suffered severe physical trauma before being released in October 2025. Today, he relies on faith for his recovery.

BRUTAL BACKLASH: Progressive Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner is under fire for archived Reddit posts praising a deadly 2014 Hamas raid as “well executed.” The combat veteran, backed by Bernie Sanders, also faced scrutiny over a past Nazi-style tattoo. While Platner attributes the conduct to a “hyper-violent” military culture, Republicans and veterans have slammed his comments as disqualifying for office.

FOUNDATION OF HATE: The 1979 Islamic Revolution transformed Iran from a stable home for Jews into a theater of state-sponsored terror. By weaponizing antisemitism as a core ideology, the regime executed community leaders, seized property, and forced a mass exodus. Today, a dwindling population remains as a “pathetic fig leaf,” coerced into denouncing Israel to survive under a fanatical, oppressive mullahcracy.

Iranian Jewish men unveil their much adorned holy scroll from chamber Aron Kodesh, as a part of their daily prayer in a synagogue, Tehran on Feb. 13, 2020. (Hossein Beris/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

SHOWING THE WAY: Ben Carasso, an 11-year-old Israeli influencer, uses social media to combat global antisemitism and share the realities of Jewish children living in conflict. A third-generation Holocaust survivor descendant, he began his advocacy after the October 7 attacks. Despite facing online abuse, he travels internationally to meet other Jewish youth, promoting fact-checking and encouraging peers to speak up for the truth.

GUEST EDITORIAL: Dov Forman, a history student at University College London and co-author of the New York Times bestselling book Lily’s Promise, writes that campus antisemitism and London arson attacks show Britain is failing its Jewish community.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I walked without energy, breathing air as if those were my last breaths, thinking it would be the last time I would see the light of day. I kept going.” – Rom Braslavski, 19, who spent more than two years as a captive of Hamas.

– Looking for more on this topic? Find more antisemitism coverage from Fox News here.

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The stars of this year’s NFL Draft made a striking entrance on the red carpet Thursday evening, gearing up for what promises to be a defining moment in their careers.

Over the next three days, 257 aspiring NFL players will see their dreams materialize as their names are announced. However, Thursday night highlights the crème de la crème, as the top prospects take center stage.

Sixteen of these elite athletes will be present at the event, ready to share a celebratory moment with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in the form of an iconic hug on stage.

Anticipation was palpable hours before the Las Vegas Raiders were set to make the first pick. In Pittsburgh, the young athletes showcased their sartorial flair, donning exquisite suits and sharing the jubilant occasion with family and friends.

Among them, running back Jeremiyah Love stood out not only for his talent, which has many pegging him as the draft’s standout, but also for his unique suit jacket lining — adorned with images capturing his memorable achievements at Notre Dame.

Love posed for pictures with his parents, L’Tonya and Jason, before they put their hands together to form a love heart.

Running back Jeremiyah Love revealed a stunning custom-made suit for the NFL Draft

Love posed with both of his parents on the red carpet, who formed a heart with their hands

Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey poses with members of his family hours before the draft

Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is expected to command a top-10 pick on Thursday night

Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson poses on the red carpet with lots of teams interested

Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate oozed cool in a cropped beige suit jacket

Love wore a brown jacquard suit with a white shirt and matching brown tie. Attention was drawn to his necklace, however, which boasted some bold pendants.

Speaking of bold jewellery, Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor showed off his dental diamonds on the red carpet.

Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey and Sonny Styles of Ohio State both kept it simple with tuxedos, while Rueben Bain Jr. looked smart in a full brown suit. 

Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson kept it casual with a jacket over a white shirt and black tie, while fellow receiver Carnell Tate oozed cool in a cropped beige suit jacket which had his mom and sisters’ names inside.

But one man who won’t be there is the Raiders’ expected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.

He is spending the night with his family in Miami. His mother, Elsa Mendoza, has multiple sclerosis so traveling is difficult.

After Mendoza, there is little certainty as to where the draft could go.

The biggest question is who goes No. 2 to the New York Jets between Ohio State’s Arvell Reese or Texas Tech’s David Bailey, who are considered the two best edge rushers in the draft.

After Mendoza, it could be a while until another quarterback is selected. Alabama’s Ty Simpson is expected to be the next one. He’s among the group of players in attendance and there’s a chance he might have to wait until Round 2 on Friday night.

Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor showed off his dental diamonds on the red carpet

Ty Simpson is the second best quarterback in this year’s class but it’s unclear where he’ll go

Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. signs an autograph ahead of the biggest night of his life

The first round should be about an hour faster than it’s been because the time between picks was shortened from 10 minutes to eight minutes.

One year after every team entered the draft with a first-round pick for the first time since the start of the common draft in 1967, there has been plenty of picks moving, with the latest coming when Cincinnati sent the 10th pick to the New York Giants for Dexter Lawrence.

The teams other than the Giants with multiple first-rounders are the New York Jets, Cleveland, Kansas City, Miami and Dallas. 

The teams without a first-rounder are Cincinnati, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Green Bay, Jacksonville and Denver.

Barring a trade, the Jaguars won’t make a pick in the first round for the first time since entering the NFL in 1995 thanks to the deal during last year’s draft to move up to pick Travis Hunter second overall.

Investors clamoring for Anthropic shares have propelled the artificial intelligence powerhouse’s valuation to an astounding $1 trillion on select trading platforms. This surge positions Anthropic over $100 billion above OpenAI, marking a significant shift in the competitive landscape of the AI industry.

Tech investors have reported to The Post that interest in Anthropic has intensified in recent weeks, coinciding with a decline in enthusiasm for OpenAI shares.

This valuation spike is unfolding within secondary markets, where shares of privately held companies are exchanged. It comes in anticipation of public offerings from these AI titans, which are expected to yield substantial returns for investors.

The excitement surrounding Anthropic’s latest innovation, the Claude Mythos model, is believed to play a part in the valuation rise. The company has cautioned that this model, which is engineered to detect cyber threats, is too risky for broad release — a stance some interpret as a strategic marketing tactic.

Anthropic has also experienced tremendous revenue growth, skyrocketing from $9 billion at the end of 2025 to over $30 billion by the close of March. The company attributes this remarkable increase to the widespread adoption of its Claude services, which are available commercially.

CEO Dario Amodei’s public feud about safety protocols with the Trump administration — which recently blacklisted the company from working with the Pentagon — appears to have had little effect on traders. The exec reportedly met with White House officials last week, part of efforts to lower tensions.

Meanwhile, demand for OpenAI shares is reportedly flagging. Institutional investors seeking to sell $600 million of the company’s shares couldn’t find buyers as of the end of March, according to Bloomberg News. That’s even as OpenAI wrapped up its biggest-ever fundraising round from other tech companies — drawing $122 billion.

Anthropic overtaking OpenAI’s valuation “says more about the quality of what Anthropic has delivered to its enterprise clients than anything else,” Mike Sobel, president and co-founder of secondary trading firm Scenic Advisement, told The Post.

“The quality of Anthropic’s earnings are just better,” he added.

Private stock marketplace Hiive told The Post that the price for Anthropic shares has surged 211% to roughly $900 over the past three months, becoming one of the most actively traded companies on its platform.

Shares of OpenAI have risen just 8.5% to $608 over the same period, according to Hiive’s data.

While valuations of private companies in between funding rounds can be tricky to calculate, info on Hiive points to a $1 trillion valuation for Anthropic.

OpenAI’s share price has remained roughly in line with its $852 billion valuation from its most recent funding round. 

“Rumors of strong revenue performance in Q1 appear to be pushing the valuation higher,” said Hiive CEO Sim Desai, noting Anthropic’s recent price jump is 10 times Hiive’s index of its 50 most liquid pre-IPO securities. “We’ve seen sharp price acceleration in recent weeks.”

Sobel scooped up a slice of Anthropic shares in 2024 at a $19 billion valuation as part of FTX’s bankruptcy proceedings after the Sam Bankman-Fried-led crypto exchange imploded. The position – which accounts for roughly 9% of Scenic Advisement’s portfolio – could return 20 times Sobel’s initial investment if Anthropic keeps trading around $1 trillion by the time it holds an IPO.

There’s no known date from an IPO from either Anthropic or OpenAI. The Post has sought comment from both companies.

Sobel said he has no intention of selling his shares of Anthropic, which he called a “generational company.” 

“Everyday I’m getting calls from people wanting to buy my Anthropic shares,” he told The Post.

“I had billionaire family offices call me desperately wanting to buy a couple million dollars of shares virtually at any price. I mean, within reason. Everyone is seriously chasing this,”

The fervor for Anthropic shares has led to some unusual offers.

One Silicon Valley dealmaker proposed swapping his 14-acre estate for Anthropic shares, The Post reported. Storm Duncan, the founder of tech-focused investment bank Ignatious, remarked that agreeing on a valuation for the AI darling could be tricky given how it seems to be shooting up daily.

Meanwhile, Jesse Leimgruber, founder of San Francisco AI hardware startup OpenHome, wrote this week on X that a “very well known growth fund” offered to buy Anthropic shares at a $1.05 trillion valuation. He called the bid “absolutely wild.”

One Anthropic shareholder recently offered to unload shares at a $1.15 trillion valuation, Ken Sawyer, cofounder and managing partner at Saints Capital, a venture secondary firm, told Business Insider.

“It’s been an epic run for Anthropic,” Glen Anderson, CEO of fintech company Rainmaker Securities, told Business Insider. “Everybody wants to be part of a generational opportunity in AI, and right now, Anthropic is in the pole position.” Anderson said he received an offer to buy Anthropic shares valued at $960 billion, an unthinkable price even just weeks ago. 

“We get an offer, and then within a day someone else has already bought it,” he told the outlet. “There are almost no sellers.”