NFL insists Vrabel-Russini scandal not considered in scheduling Patriots for 2026 kickoff game

The NFL considered multiple factors in scheduling its 2026 regular-season kickoff game with the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, and in picking the New England Patriots as the opponent, league executives insist the drama surrounding the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini scandal played no part in their choice.

So, yes, the league would have us believe it did not seriously weigh the sizeable elephant in the room.

"Look, we focused on the football game and the reach of the Super Bowl, and...