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Mike Vrabel finally breaks silence after Dianna Russini story fallout
TL;DR
Mike Vrabel addressed the media following controversy over photos with Dianna Russini, which led to her resignation from The Athletic. Both denied any wrongdoing amid speculation about their relationship.
Key points
- Mike Vrabel spoke to the media about recent controversy.
- Photos of Vrabel and Dianna Russini at a resort went viral.
- Both denied any wrongdoing amid speculation.
- Russini resigned from her position at The Athletic.
- Vrabel emphasized the need for good decision-making.
Mentioned in this story
Mike VrabelDianna RussiniThe AthleticNew England Patriots
Mike Vrabel spoke to media members on Tuesday, following the controversial story involving the New England Patriots head coach and Dianna Russini, a former reporter at The Athletic.
Vrabel and Russini, who are both married, have faced a firestorm of speculation after images of the two at a luxury resort went viral. The images appeared to show the two embracing and holding hands together, culminating in a PR nightmare so bad that Russini resigned from her position at The Athletic.
Both Vrabel and Russini denied wrongdoing in the aftermath of the photos going public, claiming they were with friends who weren't spotted in the pictures, per Page Six.
"I've had some difficult conversations with people that I care about about—with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players," said Vrabel. "Those have been positive and productive. We believe that in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me. That starts with me."
Vrabel is reportedly not under review by the NFL for his actions.
With that said, it's a big week for the Patriots with Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft slated for Thursday night. Vrabel spent the entire 2025 season preaching about making good decisions and putting the team first. That mentality ultimately galvanized the team on a magical playoff run that led all the way up to Super Bowl LX.
Vrabel speaking with the team behind closed doors and finally addressing the media was him trying to live by that example.
Q&A
What did Mike Vrabel say about the controversy with Dianna Russini?
Mike Vrabel stated he had difficult but productive conversations with his family and the organization, emphasizing the importance of making good decisions.
Why did Dianna Russini resign from The Athletic?
Dianna Russini resigned following a public backlash over photos showing her and Mike Vrabel together, which sparked speculation about their relationship.
What were the circumstances surrounding the photos of Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini?
The photos, taken at a luxury resort, showed them embracing and holding hands, leading to widespread speculation and controversy.
