Patriots HC Mike Vrabel Addresses Page Six Article About Him and NFL Reporter Dianna Russini

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and The Athletic NFL insider Dianna Russini released statements Tuesday following the publication of photos by Oli Coleman of the New York Post's Page Six that showed them spending time together two weekends ago at the Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona.

In a statement provided to Page Six, Vrabel said, "These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn't deserve any further response."

Russini noted in her statement that both she and Vrabel were at the resort with groups of friends, saying, "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."

Steven Ginsberg, who is the executive editor of The Athletic, backed Russini in his statement, saying, "These photos are misleading and lack essential context. These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we're proud to have her at the Athletic."

Per Coleman, both Vrabel and Russini were in Arizona ahead of the NFL league meetings, which ran from March 29-31 in Phoenix.

Vrabel reportedly attended a scouting event at Arizona State University on March 27 before being spotted with Russini.

The 50-year-old Vrabel is a former NFL linebacker and longtime NFL head coach who has been married since 1999 and has two adult children.

After earning one Pro Bowl and one First Team All-Pro selection, and winning three Super Bowls during his 14-year playing career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs, Vrabel transitioned into coaching in 2011.

Vrabel spent time as an assistant in the collegiate and NFL ranks before the Tennessee Titans hired him as their head coach in 2018.

He went 54-45 with three playoff appearances in six seasons with the Titans before getting fired at the conclusion of the 2023 campaign.

Vrabel was then hired as the Patriots' head coach prior to the 2025 season, and he proceeded to lead New England to a 14-3 record, an AFC East title and a Super Bowl appearance, losing 29-13 to the Seattle Seahawks.

Russini, 43, is a married mother of two, and a veteran of the sports media space.

She made a name for herself with ESPN as a SportsCenter anchor before appearing on NFL-related shows such as NFL Live and NFL Countdown.

In 2023, Russini joined The Athletic as one of the website's leading NFL reporters and insiders. She also hosts the popular Scoop City podcast with former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel.