The New England Patriots entered the 2026 NFL Draft cycle already under intense scrutiny, but a fresh post only added fuel to an already raging fire. With controversy surrounding head coach Mike Vrabel dominating the headlines, the franchise attempted to pivot attention back to football.
Instead, their timing sparked widespread backlash across the NFL community. Fans and analysts alike quickly connected the post to the ongoing scandal involving Vrabel and former NFL insider Dianna Russini. What was likely intended as a routine draft engagement turned into a full-blown PR misstep.
Patriots’ Draft Post Backfires as Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini Scandal Sparks Massive Online Backlash
The controversy erupted shortly after the Patriots shared a draft-themed post from their official X account, writing, “With the 31st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft the New England Patriots select ___!?” alongside a video of incoming prospects.
With the 31st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft the New England Patriots select _________ ⁉️ pic.twitter.com/KNqGUqWZxK
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 23, 2026
Under normal circumstances, such posts are standard practice during draft week. However, the timing of the post didn’t sit well with the NFL community, as it came just hours after new reports and images further amplified the Vrabel-Russini situation.
The reaction online was swift and unforgiving. Many fans used the blank space in the Patriots’ post to mock the situation directly. One user quipped, “DIANA RUSSINI, WIDE RECEIVER,” sarcastically inserting Russini’s name.
Another response took a more critical stand, stating, “A new head coach. Absolutely wild decision to make this tweet at the time, considering the new images of your head coach and an NFL insider having an affair that’s been going on for 6 f*n years just came out. She’s had 2 kids in the time frame btw. And one is named Michael.”
The comment reflected the frustration over both the alleged timeline and the organization’s perceived lack of awareness. Other responses continued in a similar vein, with Caleb Williams Fan Club account posting, “Dianna Russini, tight end.”
Meanwhile, Sebastian Nava shared an image suggesting the team might need legal representation, hinting at the growing seriousness of the situation. Podcaster Daniel Mael also weighed in, writing, “Nice attempt at a counter-narrative Patriots!”, implying the post was a deliberate effort to shift focus away from the scandal.
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Adding to the chorus, PFSN’s Matt Infante posted, “And this app is free, folks,” with a laughing emoji, underscoring how easily the backlash spread.
And this app is free, folks 😂 https://t.co/LgwyOFxTa4
— Matt Infante (@MattInfante) April 23, 2026
The backdrop to all of this remains important. A new report from Page Six revealed additional images of Vrabel and Russini together at a dimly lit New York City bar, reportedly taken in March 2020. These followed earlier photos published in April that showed the pair at an adults-only resort in Arizona before league meetings.
In the aftermath of the initial report, Russini stepped down from her role at The Athletic and later also addressed the situation publicly. Vrabel, meanwhile, as ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported, would miss Day 3 of the draft to seek counseling.
Amid all this, the Patriots still hold the 31st overall pick and could target key positions like pass rusher, wide receiver, or offensive tackle. Yet, their draft strategy has been the least discussed issue amid the off-field drama.
