The NFL has decided against investigating New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel regarding recent photos showing him with reporter Dianna Russini. An NFL spokesman confirmed to ESPN that Vrabel's conduct falls outside the league's personal conduct policy. The photos, taken on March 28 in Sedona, Arizona, prompted questions about potential conflicts.
Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf described Vrabel's pre-draft activities as 'business as usual,' indicating no disruption to his duties ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The images, published by the New York Post's Page Six, captured Vrabel and Russini hugging, holding hands, and together in a rooftop bungalow and hot tub at a luxury hotel. Vrabel, who is married, insisted the interaction was innocent. 'These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,' he told Page Six. 'This doesn't deserve any further response.' A friend confirmed Vrabel did not stay overnight and drove two hours back to his own hotel. Russini, who resigned from The Athletic on April 14, said she was with a group of six friends. 'The photos don't represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day,' she told Page Six. 'Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.' The pair had a professional relationship dating to Vrabel's time coaching the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023, when Russini covered the team for ESPN. She joined The Athletic before the 2023 season. Vrabel was hired by the Patriots in 2025 and earned Coach of the Year honors after leading them to the Super Bowl. The Athletic initially supported Russini but later investigated further before her resignation. Executive editor Steven Ginsberg noted new questions arose from additional information. Vrabel has not held a press conference since the photos emerged but is expected to speak soon after the draft.
