{
  "id": 6502302,
  "title": "Julian Edelman on Pats avoiding Mike Vrabel distraction: 'We were around murderers'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/julian-edelman-on-pats-avoiding-mike-vrabel-distraction-we-were",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-10T00:03:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/julian-edelman-pats-avoiding-mike-000306952.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Julian Edelman, a three-time Super Bowl champion, has spoken about the distractions the New England Patriots have faced while under head coach Mike Vrabel. Edelman, in an interview with USA TODAY Sports, said that during his time with the Patriots, they encountered numerous off-field issues, including the Aaron Hernandez scandal, SpyGate, DeflateGate, and more. Edelman explained that the team simply had to focus on what they needed to do each day to improve, stating, \"You just worry about what you got on your plate that day.\" He acknowledged that distractions are a part of the profession, noting that the Patriots have encountered murderers and big-gates during their tenure. Vrabel, who was photographed at an adults-only resort in March alongside former NFL reporter Dianna Russini, later apologized for being a distraction and sought counseling, but has not commented on the topic in recent months. Edelman emphasized that this current Patriots team is fostering a mentally tough environment, encouraging their players to concentrate on their immediate goals and improve daily.",
  "summary": "New England Patriots great Julian Edelman said all teams deal with distractions and the 2026 squad should deploy an \"us against the world\" strategy.",
  "key_points": [
    "Patriots have faced multiple off-field distractions, including Aaron Hernandez scandal",
    "Julian Edelman emphasizes focusing on daily tasks to improve",
    "Mike Vrabel apologized for being a distraction and sought counseling"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Patriots' history of handling scandals and distractions, including murder and cheating allegations, suggests their current focus on mental toughness will help them navigate coach Mike Vrabel's recent controversy.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Mike Vrabel: You can't throw three interceptions, Drake Maye knows that",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/mike-vrabel-you-cant-throw-three-interceptions-drake-maye-knows-that",
        "published": "2026-09-10T09:24:46.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}