Mike Vrabel is the head coach of the New England Patriots and a former NFL linebacker. While his football career has been remarkable, he has a lovely family with his wife, Jennifer Vrabel. The couple has been married since 1999, and together they have two adult sons, Tyler and Carter.
Key Takeaways
- Mike Vrabel and Jen Vrabel first met when they were both student-athletes at The Ohio State University.
- Jen is a former collegiate athlete and a professional dental hygienist.
- Mike and Jen have two sons, Tyler Vrabel and Carter Vrabel.
- Tyler is an American football coach and former offensive tackle, while Carter is a college baseball player.
Jennifer Vrabel's Profile Summary
- Full name: Jennifer Boleyn Vrabel
- Gender: Female
- Current residence: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Christian
- Sexuality: Straight
- Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
- Hair colour: Blonde
- Eye colour: Blue
- Marital status: Married
- Partner: Mike Vrabel
- Children: 2
- College: Ohio State University
- Profession: Former volleyball player, dental hygienist
Who is Mike Vrabel’s Wife?
Mike Vrabel is married to Jennifer Vrabel, formerly known as Jen Boleyn. Vrabel has openly credited Jen for pushing and challenging him to enter the NFL coaching ranks after he completed his playing career. Jen Vrabel was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She and Mike met as freshmen at Ohio State University, where both were standout college athletes. Jen played volleyball at Ohio State from 1993 to 1996 and was a two-time All-Big Ten and Academic All-Big Ten honoree. She remains among the university’s all-time assist leaders. Mike was a standout defensive lineman at Ohio State, and his outgoing personality and constant talking caught Jen’s attention. She found him funny enough to take the initiative and ask the professor for Mike's phone number.
After graduating from Ohio State University, Jen briefly worked as a dental hygienist in Columbus, Ohio, while Mike played for his first team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the distance, Jen would drive back and forth each week to be with Mike. Then came the call from New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, a turning point in Mike’s career. Jen remembers the moment well, laughing at how surreal it felt when Mike told her the Patriots wanted him to start. She said: "I was like, ‘Wait, the Patriots are going to sign you, and you’re going to start for them?’ I’m so confused. I mean, awesome, but, for real?"
After brief stints in her field of study, Jennifer transitioned her primary focus to raising their two sons and participating in various sports-related philanthropic and community initiatives.
What Did Jennifer Vrabel Study?
Before getting married to Mike Vrabel, Jen graduated with a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from Ohio State University in 1998. She later returned to college to earn an additional degree in exercise science.
When Did Mike Vrabel and Jennifer Marry?
Mike and Jennifer Vrabel married in 1999. In 2024, the couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a massive 10-day trip to Italy.
Are Mike Vrabel and His Wife Still Married?
Yes, they are still together, amidst an alleged relationship scandal involving Mike with NFL reporter Dianna Russini. The speculations stemmed from photos of Mike with Russini, which surfaced on 7 April 2026. The images were taken at a resort in Arizona and at a New York City bar. Both Vrabel and Russini initially pushed back against the rumors. Vrabel released a statement downplaying the photos. He said: "These photos show a completely innocent interaction, and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn't deserve any further response." Following the public scandal, Mike and his wife engaged in private marriage counseling and attended an "emergency marriage summit" in Utah over the weekend of April 25-26, 2026. Vrabel skipped the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft to fly to Utah and seek counseling. Since the scandal went public, Jen has not spoken out to address the issue.
How Many Kids Does Mike Vrabel Have with His Wife?
Mike Vrabel and his wife, Jen, have two kids together: sons Tyler Vrabel and Carter Vrabel. Due to the demanding nature of the league, Vrabel missed the birth of his youngest son, Carter, in 2001 because he was stuck at a Patriots practice. Carter also recalled that during football seasons, he would regularly go to bed at night long before his dad came home from the team facilities. Despite the long hours, Vrabel prioritized being a present father to both his children. Both sons have spoken openly about how much time he made for them growing up. For instance, Tyler's earliest memories involve the confetti falling at the 2004 Super Bowl, where he joined his father on the podium as a toddler. What's more, Jen and Mike established strict routine boundaries to protect their family life from the all-consuming grind of an NFL season. They maintained a cherished Friday night date ritual that carried over from his playing days into his coaching tenure, forcing a hard pause on game preparation to prioritize their relationship. Mike Vrabel’s children quite literally grew up around NFL locker rooms, sidelines, and team facilities. Vrabel has spent decades in the league as both an All-Pro linebacker and a coach, making the football facility a second home for his two sons. Meanwhile, his wife's perspective as an athlete heavily shaped how they raised their sons. Jen ensured both sons had the structured environment needed to successfully pursue their own collegiate and professional athletic careers.
Does Mike Vrabel Have Twins?
Mike does not have twins. He and his wife, Jen, have two sons who were born more than a year apart.
What Are Mike Vrabel’s Kids’ Ages?
Mike Vrabel’s eldest son, Tyler Vrabel, is 26 years old as of 2026. He was born on 24 June 2000. Meanwhile, his youngest son, Carter Vrabel (born in November 2001), is 24 years old.
Who Does Tyler Vrabel Play For?
Tyler Vrabel has followed his father’s footsteps, playing football at Boston College from 2018 to 2021 and currently works as a football coach. He serves as an offensive line consultant and assistant coach for the Boston College Eagles, a role he took up in 2025. His position as an offensive lineman at Boston College from 2018 to 2021 showcased his talent and understanding of the sport, traits he inherited while growing up around his father. In June 2017, Tyler Vrabel tweeted to appreciate his parents for supporting his football career: "First, I would like to thank my parents for supporting me throughout my life. I also want to thank my coaches for developing me into the person I am on and off the field. Lastly, I want to thank all of the coaches and programs that gave me an opportunity to play for their school. I have decided that I am going to commit to Boston College to continue my academic and athletic career."
Tyler has been working his way through the NFL ranks since his college football career ended at the conclusion of the 2021 season. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent on 30 April 2022, shortly after he went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. Mike Vrabel’s son spent two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, playing in regular-season games in 2023. In May 2023, Tyler acknowledged his parents and coach, Jim McGuire, for believing in him and giving him a shot at continuing to do what he loves the most: "I want to thank God and my Family for everything they have given me. Also, I want to thank @CoachMcGuire26 for believing in me and giving me a shot to continue to do what I love most. With that being said, I will be continuing my Academic and Athletic career at Tennessee Tech." After the 2023 season, he signed a reserve/future contract with the organization in January 2024, but subsequently retired from the NFL and was placed on the reserve/retired list on 30 July 2024. Following his retirement, Tyler Vrabel pursued other opportunities in the NFL, eventually transitioning into coaching at Boston College Eagles in March 2025.
What Is Carter Vrabel Doing Now?
Carter Vrabel completed his degree at Tennessee Technological University in May 2025, and his next career move has not yet involved professional baseball. While his father and his brother, Tyler, pursued professional football careers, Carter intentionally stepped away from the gridiron and carved out his journey in baseball. After suffering multiple concussions and a broken foot trying to play football in high school, he decided to transition entirely to baseball with the full support of his family. He admitted he was terrified of how to break the news to his NFL-coach father, but Mike completely supported his choice to exit the sport. Carter proceeded to play collegiate baseball at Wabash Valley College and Volunteer State Community College as a pitcher and third baseman. After that, he played as an infielder and pitcher at Tennessee Tech University and completed his college baseball career through the 2025 season.
Are Mike Vrabel’s Children Married?
Mike Vrabel's children are not married, but his eldest son, Tyler Vrabel, is engaged. In June 2026, Tyler got engaged to his fiancée, Mariah Romano, in Franklin, Tennessee. Vrabel and his wife, Jen, put personal and professional distractions aside to proudly support him at his engagement party. The family even shared collaborative photos of the celebration, showcasing a tight-knit family unit.
Facts About Mike Vrabel’s Wife and Children
- Mike Vrabel’s wife was a standout volleyball player in college.
- Jen's perspective as an athlete heavily shaped how they raised their sons.
- Mike has regularly attended his son's games.
- He even served as an assistant baseball coach for one of Carter's teams.
- Mike was a major sounding board and supporter during Tyler's transition into coaching at Boston College.
