Just about every successful man has a woman by his side, and for New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, that’s his longtime wife, Jen.
The couple met as freshmen at Ohio State University. Mike was a football star, while Jen played volleyball, but athletics didn’t bring them together.
They met in a time management class in 1993, and Jen made the first move. She asked their professor for Mike’s phone number, and it ultimately worked.
They Got Married in 1999
The couple tied the knot in 1999. A year later, in 2000, they welcomed their first child, Tyler, who recently got engaged.
In 2001, they welcomed their second child, Carter.
Both of their children followed in their parents’ athletic footsteps. Tyler pursued football and made it to the NFL as an offensive tackle, signing with the Atlanta Falcons. Carter, meanwhile, played college baseball at Volunteer State Community College.
Patriots HC Mike Vrabel and his wife, Jen, posed for a family photo over the weekend at son Tyler Vrabel’s engagement celebration with Mariah Romano, via @usweekly.
Mike and Jen’s younger son, Carter, was also pictured with the family. pic.twitter.com/6M2US5Qus0— Foxborough Fellas Podcast (@FoxFellasPod) June 9, 2026
Jen Has Been by His Side From the Start of His Football Career
Vrabel had a successful college career with the Buckeyes before the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him in the third round in 1997.
Jen stood by him throughout his playing career, most notably during his eight seasons with the Patriots. Vrabel signed with New England in 2001 and won three Super Bowls under head coach Bill Belichick.
She also supported him throughout his coaching career, which began at Ohio State before he moved on to the Houston Texans. He then landed his first NFL head coaching job with the Tennessee Titans, where he spent six seasons.
After the Titans fired him following the 2023 season, Vrabel spent time as a consultant with the Cleveland Browns before returning to New England in 2025 as the Patriots’ head coach.
(Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
Vrabel’s Recent Off-Field Scandal
The offseason controversy surrounding the Patriots coach drew widespread attention after photos surfaced on social media showing him with NFL reporter Dianna Russini while both were married.
Both parties addressed the photos, but the controversy continued to develop. Russini later stepped down from her role at The Athletic, while Vrabel issued a statement taking public accountability for his actions and revealed that he had entered marriage counseling with his wife, Jen.
Vrabel also stepped away from the team for three days during the NFL Draft this offseason to focus on counseling and his personal life.
Patriots in the Middle of the 2026 Season
Despite the offseason controversy, Vrabel’s family appears to be doing well. His focus is now on coaching the Patriots through the 2026 season.
New England enters Week 7 at 4-2 ahead of Thursday night’s showdown against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
Related: Dianna Russini’s Colossal NYT Salary Before Mike Vrabel Scandal and Resignation Revealed
