Mike Vrabel Crowned ‘Most Influential Bostonian’ Amid Dianna Russini Scandal

TL;DR

Mike Vrabel, head coach of the New England Patriots, has been named the Most Influential Bostonian by Boston Magazine despite being embroiled in a scandal involving NFL reporter Dianna Russini. The controversy centers around photos of the two that surfaced, but the magazine did not mention the scandal in its feature.

Key points

Mike Vrabel named Most Influential Bostonian by Boston Magazine
Controversy involves photos with NFL reporter Dianna Russini
Scandal not mentioned in the magazine feature

Mentioned in this story

Mike VrabelDianna RussiniBoston Magazine

New England Patriots

Mega New England Patriots head coach **Mike Vrabel** received a major honor in Boston amid his alleged cheating scandal. Vrabel, 50, has been at the center of a controversy involving NFL reporter **Dianna Russini** after photos of the pair getting cozy in Sedona, Arizona, surfaced earlier this month. However on Tuesday, April 28, Vrabel was named the Most Influential Bostonian by *Boston Magazine* for its May 2026 issue. “When it came time to assemble this year’s annual 150 Most Influential Bostonians list, who demonstrated more power than the team who gave this city unequivocal joy?” the outlet announced alongside a photo of the cover, which also featured quarterback **Drake Maye**. According to TMZ, Vrabel’s recent scandal is not mentioned in the article. “Thought this was satire,” one follower commented. “The irony of Vrabel being the most influential Bostonian is too funny,” another wrote. A third joked, “This didn’t age well.” Vrabel addressed the media after multiple photos surfaced showing him holding hands, embracing and kissing Russini between 2020 and March 2026. Vrabel has been married to wife **Jen** since 1999. Russini wed **Kevin Goldschmidt** in 2020.

Page Six / MEGA “I understand I could have addressed you sooner, but it was important to me [that] I have a conversation with the players, which I did yesterday very candidly,” he said during an April 21 press conference. “In order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me, that starts with me,” he continued. “We never want our actions to negatively affect the team. We never want to be the cause of distraction.” Vrabel previously told ** that the photos “show a and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.” Russini also told the outlet: “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, who deleted her X account last week.

Q&A

What is the controversy surrounding Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini?

The controversy involves photos of Mike Vrabel and NFL reporter Dianna Russini appearing cozy together, raising speculation about their relationship amid Vrabel's marriage.

Why was Mike Vrabel named the Most Influential Bostonian?

Vrabel was honored by Boston Magazine for his impact on the city, particularly through his role as head coach of the New England Patriots, despite the ongoing scandal.

What has Dianna Russini said about the photos with Mike Vrabel?

Dianna Russini stated that the photos do not represent the context of their interactions and emphasized that they were part of a larger group of friends.