India, May 28 -- Mike Vrabel returned to the public side of his job on Wednesday as the New England Patriots resumed practice and made his first media appearance since stepping away during the NFL Draft amid controversy involving NFL reporter Dianna Russini.

Speaking during a Patriots press conference, Vrabel was asked how he was balancing football and family life after weeks of public scrutiny.

"I appreciate [that] my family is great, I love Jen [Vrabel], I love the boys," he said, referring to his wife and their two sons. "This spring is focused on the coaching, staff, the players."

He also praised the coaching staff, saying: "These guys go out and find a way to make it better."

When pressed on whether he regretted skipping Day 3 of...