Vrabel: Russini Photos Led to ‘Difficult Conversations’

Mike Vrabel broke his silence on Page Six photos showing him and Dianna Russini holding hands and hugging, saying he’s had “some difficult conversations with people I care about” over a “personal and private matter.”

The Patriots coach took the podium at Gillette Stadium Tuesday to address the swirling speculation regarding him and Russini two days before the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. 

Vrabel didn’t specifically address what did or didn’t happen with the NFL insider at an adults-only resort in Arizona. But the reigning AP NFL Coach of the Year seemed noticeably uncomfortable about a story he deemed “laughable” only two weeks ago. Both he and Russini are married to other people.

“I’ve had some difficult conversations with people that I care about. With my family. The organization. The coaches, the players. Those have been positive and productive,” said a somber Vrabel. “We believe that in order to be successful on and off the field you have to make good decisions. That includes me. That starts with me. We never want our actions to negatively affect the team. We never want to be the cause of a distraction. Whatever comments and questions that I’ve answered for the team, and with the team, we’ll keep those private and to ourselves.”

Vrabel was subsequently asked multiple questions regarding Russini and the conversations he’s had as a result of the situation, but declined to offer specifics. Asked about his previous claim about the photos being “laughable,” the ex-linebacker replied: “I appreciate the question. I’m going to focus on our football team. I think I’ve addressed what I felt like was important, so focusing on our football team and the importance of teaching these guys, bringing a new team together, 13 new players.”

Russini, a respected NFL insider, resigned from The Athletic one week after the New York Post published photos of her with the Super Bowl coach at the Ambiente Sedona resort on April 7.

The embattled insider added it was her decision because she did not want to lend the scandal “further oxygen” or let it “define” her and her career.

“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” wrote Russini in a resignation letter she publicly posted to her X/Twitter account.

Vrabel’s behavior is not being reviewed by the NFL under the league’s personal conduct policy, according to ESPN. That policy states “players, coaches and executives are required to avoid “conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League.”

In just one season, Vrabel rebuilt the Pats into a contender, leading them to Super Bowl LX, where they lost 29-13 to the Seahawks.