Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and New York Times sports reporter Dianna Russini both responded to speculation after photos showed them together at a resort in Arizona.
The two appear to be holding hands, hugging, and lounging in a hotel pool together in photos published this week by Page Six. The photos were reportedly taken March 28 at the Ambiente, an adults-only resort in Sedona.
Vrabel, who was tapped as Patriots head coach in January 2025, is married to Jen Vrabel. Russini, a senior NFL insider for The Athletic (the sports section of The New York Times), is married to Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt.
According to For The Win, Vrabel was in the state for Arizona State’s Pro Day and meetings for the NFL Competition Committee, while Russini was there to report on the committee’s meetings.
Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini both respond to resort photos
After the photos began circulating and drawing speculation from sports fans, Vrabel responded to Page Six, The New York Post’s self-proclaimed “gossip column.”
“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” Vrabel told the publication. “This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
Russini also came forward with a statement, explaining that the photos of the two were taken out of context.
“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,” Russini said in a statement provided by The New York Times.
Steven Ginsberg, The Athletic’s executive editor, defended Russini in a statement provided by the publication.
“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,” Ginsberg said.
Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 after working as an ESPN “SportsCenter” anchor for eight years.
The Patriots did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Story by Bailey Allen, The Providence Journal / USA Today Network via Reuters. Wajih AlBaroudi of For The Win contributed to this report.
