Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini allegedly rented a private boat together in Tennessee in June 2021, while Russini was pregnant. Their relationship has been under scrutiny since April, with multiple photos surfacing over the years.
Key points
Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini rented a private boat together
The boat rental occurred in Tennessee in June 2021
Russini was pregnant at the time of the rental
Vrabel requested no photos be published
Their relationship has faced scrutiny since April
Mentioned in this story
Mike VrabelDianna RussiniNew England Patriots
Mike Vrabel (left); Dianna Russini (right)Credit: Dylan Buell/Getty; Cindy Ord/Getty
Vrabel, 50, and Russini, 43, allegedly rented a private boat together for one day in June 2021, while he was still head coach of the Tennessee Titans, TMZ Sports reported. They rented the boat in Putnam County, Tenn., and were the only people on board during the rental period, a source with direct knowledge told the outlet. The rental period lasted between two and three hours.
The AFC Championship-winning coach and the former The Athletic journalist signed company waivers before getting on the boat, according to documents obtained by TMZ Sports. The outlet published images of the documents, with what appears to be their signatures visible.
Q&A
What is the timeline of Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini's alleged relationship?
Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini reportedly rented a boat together in June 2021, and their relationship has faced scrutiny since April 2023.
Why did Dianna Russini decline to take photos during the boat rental?
Dianna Russini reportedly declined to take photos with staff during the boat rental, possibly due to the scrutiny surrounding her relationship with Mike Vrabel.
What evidence has surfaced regarding Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini's relationship?
Photos of Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini spending time together have surfaced, indicating their relationship dates back several years before he became head coach of the New England Patriots.
How has the public reacted to the news about Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini?
The public reaction has been mixed, with increased scrutiny and interest in their relationship following the recent reports and photos.
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Mike Vrabel on Oct. 5, 2025Credit: Timothy T Ludwig/Getty
Mike Vrabel on Oct. 5, 2025
Credit: Timothy T Ludwig/Getty
There was no visible PDA between Vrabel and Russini before they left, the source told TMZ Sports. The two allegedly “appeared cautious” about having photos taken, according to the outlet. Russini declined to take a picture with staff, but Vrabel agreed, allegedly on the condition that no photos be published.
At the time of the alleged boat trip, Russini was pregnant with the first of her two children, whom she shares with her husband, Kevin Goldschmidt. The two wed in 2020.
PEOPLE reached out to Vrabel's agent and Russini for comment.
Dianna Russini in February 2022Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty
Dianna Russini in February 2022
Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty
A week after allegedly boating with Vrabel, Russini posted an Instagram photo from a New Jersey beach that appeared to show Goldschmidt, per TMZ Sports. “Lucky to have great people to spend this holiday with this July,” Russini, whose Instagram page is now set to private, captioned the post.
Vrabel and Russini's relationship has been under scrutiny since April 7, when Page Six published photos of the two at a luxury Arizona hotel in March 2026. Photos of them together on other occasions have since surfaced, including pictures of them at a casino in 2024. The earliest photos of them together that have surfaced date back to 2020 and show them kissing at a New York City bar.
Russini resigned from The Athletic, owned by The New York Times, on April 14.
Vrabel missed a day of the 2026 NFL draft to attend “counseling” and told reporters he took responsibility for his actions before the draft began.
"I take accountability for my actions and the actions that caused a distraction to the people that I care most about. My family, this football team, the organization and the fans," Vrabel said on April 23.
“My priorities are my family and this football and in that order," he said. "There's a balance there that I'm going to create. My family needs me this weekend and that's where I'll be."