Vrabel and Russini, who are married to other people, were snapped holding hands at an adults-only resort in Sedona, Ariz.

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and NFL reporter Dianna Russini speak out on leaked vacation photos

Vrabel and Russini, who are married to other people, were snapped holding hands at an adults-only resort in Sedona, Ariz.

By Kathleen Perricone

April 8, 2026 4:25 p.m. ET

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Mike Vrabel; Dianna Russini. Credit:

Kevin Sabitus/Getty; Cindy Ord/Getty

It might take a “Hail Mary” to explain away this situation.

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and NFL reporter Dianna Russini — who are both married to other people — were seen holding hands and hugging at an adults-only resort in Sedona, Ariz. in a series of exclusive photos published by *Page Six* on Tuesday.

But it’s not what it looks like, insist the pair.

“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” Vrabel tells the *New York Post*. “This doesn’t deserve any further response.”

Mike Vrabel (far right) coaching the New England Patriots at the 2026 Super Bowl.

Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty

Russini, who covers the NFL for *The Athletic*, added some context to the snapshots in her own statement.

“The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day,” she told the *NYP** *in her own statement. “Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”

Dianna Russini interviews Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions in 2025.

Stephen Maturen/Getty

Russini’s employer is also backing her claim. Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of *The Athletic* (which is owned by *The* *New York Times*) blasted the photos as “misleading” to the *NYP*. “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*.”

Vrabel, a onetime NFL linebacker, played seven seasons with the Patriots from 2001 to 2008. He was named head coach of the team in January 2025 and went on to lead the Patriots to the 2026 Super Bowl, ultimately losing to the Seattle Seahawks 29-13.

Mike Vrabel with his wife Jen at the 2026 Super Bowl.

Kevin Mazur/Getty

In his personal life, Vrabel is married to his college sweetheart Jen. The couple shares two adult sons who also play professional sports.

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As for Russini, who previously worked at ESPN as an NFL analyst and *SportsCenter* anchor, the New York native married Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt in 2020. The couple also have two children.

This past September, Russini posted a throwback to their wedding day to celebrate five years as husband and wife. “Happy Anniversary to my own parents’ favorite person…and mine too.”

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