New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and journalist Dianna Russini have firmly denied affair rumors stemming from photos at a Sedona resort, as detailed in prior coverage of the NFL's decision not to investigate. Russini resigned from The Athletic amid the media frenzy.
The controversy began with photos published by Page Six on April 14, showing Vrabel and Russini holding hands, hugging, and relaxing poolside at the Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona, on March 28. The images fueled speculation of an affair, despite both being married—Vrabel to Jen since 1999 with two children, and Russini to Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt with sons Michael and Joey.
Both parties quickly dismissed the rumors. Russini stated, “The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.” Vrabel echoed, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction, and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.” A friend of Vrabel confirmed he did not stay overnight, driving two hours back to his hotel.
The scrutiny intensified Russini's position at The Athletic, where she resigned on April 14—before her June 30 contract end. In her Twitter letter, she cited “deep sadness but with clarity about what is right for me, my family, and the work I have spent my career building,” refusing to “lend further oxygen” to “self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts.” The Athletic initially supported her but later probed amid new questions.
This follows the NFL's April 18 confirmation it would not investigate Vrabel, deeming the matter outside its personal conduct policy. The pair's professional ties date to Russini's ESPN coverage of Vrabel's Titans tenure (2018-2023).
