Mike Vrabel finds himself in a challenging situation that he created as the New England Patriots prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
His alleged scandalous relationship with Dianna Russini was recently exposed, and the head coach announced that he will enter counseling to address the issue and miss Day 3 of the draft. Now, new photos reveal that this entanglement may have been going on much longer than expected, prompting strong reactions from the NFL world.
New Shocking Update Emerges in Mike Vrabel–Dianna Russini Scandal
Vrabel and Russini are both married and have kids. This was essentially the focus when the two of them were seen together at a resort recently, especially given the potential conflict of interest arising from their job titles. Leaked photos showed the head coach and the former NFL insider holding hands and hugging, sparking a major, controversial story.
Complicating things even further is that the Patriots have the NFL Draft tonight, but they will be without Vrabel for Day 3 after he announced he would be beginning counseling to seek a resolution.
Shortly after his statement, another bombshell emerged: Page Six released exclusive photos of Vrabel and Russini, seemingly intimate, six years ago at a bar in New York City. The photo appears to show the two kissing, which would confirm a personal relationship that dates back way longer than anyone initially anticipated.
“The person sitting on these pictures for six years: I live my entire life waiting for this moment,” replied Sleeper’s Jason Harmon.
The person sitting on these pictures for six years: https://t.co/12YpX5g4KK pic.twitter.com/Fz2b648yui
— Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) April 23, 2026
The photos were from 2020, but Vrabel was already married, and Russini got married six months after the pictures were taken. She had her first son, Michael, a year later.
“Ouch,” responded the Miami Herald’s Omar Kelly.
https://t.co/rrKX4QOAQz pic.twitter.com/Tdtj4wEiE7
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) April 23, 2026
Some believe that the new photos settle any debate over whether their recent encounter at the resort was scandalous.
“That should just about do it for these two,” said Outkick’s Joe Kinsey.
Annnnndddd that should just about do it for these two. https://t.co/1b6f6r3YpA
— Joe Kinsey (@JoeKinseyexp) April 23, 2026
Others reflected upon the timing of Vrabel’s official statement to the media, just hours before the new photos were released. Perhaps Vrabel and the Patriots knew that more photos would drop and that things would only get messier.
“And that’s why we got the counseling announcement this morning,” one influencer stated.
And that’s why we got the counseling announcement this morning https://t.co/9tOlcE1aPU
— Clem (@TheClemReport) April 23, 2026
Some mocked Russini for failing to own her part in the situation in her official statement.
“But no seriously it was just a girls weekend at lover’s lane and shame on you derelicts in the media or public who would suggest anything else,” wrote SI’s Jason La Canfora sarcastically.
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Vrabel was also mocked by some media members.
“Maybe it’s just a couple friends interlocking lips? You know. Like when you and your boys get together and have a little smoochy smooch at the bar then 6 years later hang out at a sex hotel. Things of that nature and such,” added Barstool’s Dan Katz in a sarcastic tone.
Maybe it’s just a couple friends interlocking lips? You know. Like when you and your boys get together and have a little smoochy smooch at the bar then 6 years later hang out at a sex hotel. Things of that nature and such. https://t.co/gNaiLc6zmY
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) April 23, 2026
The Patriots currently own 11 picks overall, eight of which land on Day 3 when Vrabel will not be in attendance. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is a Patriots super fan, and he responded by posting: “This is fine,” with a popular house-on-fire meme.
https://t.co/Ag7GUkhlX1 pic.twitter.com/m2YIoFgWqi
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) April 23, 2026
Some rival fans also chimed in, including some covering the New York Jets. “Fire Him Patriots,” jokingly suggested The Jets Press of FanSided.
As this story continues to unfold, Vrabel will be in attendance for the first two days of the Patriots’ draft.
Russini would normally be covering the event for The Athletic, but she resigned from her position after the scandal became public.
