Additional photographs have emerged showing New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel in what appears to be an intimate encounter with former NFL reporter Diana Russini dating back to 2020.
The New York Post’s Page Six released the images on Thursday, just one day after Vrabel announced he would skip the final day of Saturday’s NFL draft to begin counseling sessions.
This latest development follows the initial controversy that erupted on April 7 when the Post first published images of Vrabel and Russini, who was working as an NFL correspondent for The Athletic at the time, appearing to hold hands and embrace at an upscale resort in Sedona, Arizona.
The most recent photographs were allegedly captured at Tribeca Tavern during the early morning hours of March 11, 2020, and seem to depict the two sitting intimately at the bar and sharing a kiss. “They were kissing and they were all over each other. He had a ring on,” a witness told Page Six.
The March 11, 2020 date is significant as it marks the day the World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. At that time, Vrabel was serving as head coach for the Tennessee Titans and was married to his current wife, while Russini was engaged to her now-husband.
The 50-year-old coach provided a statement to the Post regarding Thursday’s revelations.
“As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend. This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them.
“I have always wanted to lead by example and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be,” Vrabel continued. “This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result.”
Vrabel plans to be present with the Patriots on Thursday evening when they make their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft at the 31st overall selection, and will also participate in the late second and third round selections on Friday. However, he will be absent for the final four rounds taking place on Saturday.
Russini stepped down from her position at The Athletic last week while the New York Times-owned publication conducted an investigation into the nature of her relationship with Vrabel.
When the Arizona photographs first surfaced, Vrabel dismissed them, stating the pictures “show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.”
Vrabel took over as Patriots head coach before the 2025 season, returning to one of his former teams as a player, and led New England to Super Bowl LX. The Seattle Seahawks won that championship game 29-13.
Last season, Vrabel received his second AP NFL Coach of the Year award, having previously won the honor in 2021 while leading the Titans. He served as Tennessee’s head coach from 2018 through 2023.
