New photos of Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and reporter Dianna Russini surfaced before the 2026 NFL Draft, intensifying ongoing controversy. Vrabel announced he would skip Day 3 of the draft to seek counseling.
Key points
New photos of Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini published
Vrabel to skip Day 3 of NFL Draft for counseling
Photos taken in 2020 at a bar in New York City
Sedona photos show intimate moments between the pair
NFL is not investigating Vrabel's behavior
Mentioned in this story
Mike VrabelDianna RussiniNew England PatriotsNew York CitySedona
In a report detailing the new photos, Page Six described Vrabel and Russini as being "all over each otherâ and âkissing.â
According to ESPN, Vrabel wonât be with the Patriots this Saturday, the third day of the NFL Draft, so he can undergo counseling.
âAs I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization, and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend,â Vrabel said Wednesday night to ESPN.
Vrabel added, âI have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father, and coach that I possibly can be.â
In the ESPN report, Mike Reiss wrote, âVrabel, who has two sons with his wife, Jen, plans to be with his family this weekend outside of Massachusetts.â
Vrabel publicly addressed his behavior stemming from the Sedona encounter for the .
Q&A
What new photos of Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini were published?
New photos showing Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini together in a secluded New York City bar in 2020 were published, depicting them in intimate situations.
Why is Mike Vrabel skipping Day 3 of the NFL Draft?
Mike Vrabel is skipping Day 3 of the NFL Draft to seek counseling following the controversy surrounding his relationship with Dianna Russini.
What did the photos of Vrabel and Russini show?
The photos reportedly show Vrabel and Russini holding hands, embracing, and kissing at a resort in Sedona, Arizona.
Is the NFL investigating Mike Vrabel's behavior?
No, the NFL is not investigating Mike Vrabel's behavior regarding his relationship with Dianna Russini.
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 17: Dianna Russini attends Heroes at the ESPYS at City Market Social House on July 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 17: Dianna Russini attends Heroes at the ESPYS at City Market Social House on July 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 10: Dianna Russini attends The 2019 ESPYs at Microsoft Theater on July 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 10: Dianna Russini attends The 2019 ESPYs at Microsoft Theater on July 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 17: (L-R) Katie Nolan, Dianna Russini and Cassidy Hubbarth attend HEROES at The ESPYS at City Market Social House on July 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John Sciulli/Getty Images for )
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 17: (L-R) Katie Nolan, Dianna Russini and Cassidy Hubbarth attend HEROES at The ESPYS at City Market Social House on July 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John Sciulli/Getty Images for )
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 10: Dianna Russini attends Michael Rubin's Fanatics Super Bowl party at the Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on February 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 10: Dianna Russini attends Michael Rubin's Fanatics Super Bowl party at the Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on February 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: Dianna Russini attends the 2026 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at Pier 48 in San Francisco on February 07, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Fanatics)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: Dianna Russini attends the 2026 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at Pier 48 in San Francisco on February 07, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Fanatics)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 15: ESPN's Dianna Russini interviews Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the New York Jets after the New York Jets beat the Buffalo Bills 37-31 at New Era Field on September 15, 2016 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 15: ESPN's Dianna Russini interviews Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the New York Jets after the New York Jets beat the Buffalo Bills 37-31 at New Era Field on September 15, 2016 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 10: Dianna Russini attends the 11th Annual NFL Honors at YouTube Theater on February 10, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 10: Dianna Russini attends the 11th Annual NFL Honors at YouTube Theater on February 10, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 10: Dianna Russini attends The 2019 ESPYs at Microsoft Theater on July 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 10: Dianna Russini attends The 2019 ESPYs at Microsoft Theater on July 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 17: Dianna Russini attends Heroes at the ESPYS at City Market Social House on July 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 17: Dianna Russini attends Heroes at the ESPYS at City Market Social House on July 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
HOLLYWOOD, CA - JULY 11: ESPN commenator Dianna Russini at BODY at ESPYS at Avalon on July 11, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by John Sciulli/Getty Images for ESPN)
HOLLYWOOD, CA - JULY 11: ESPN commenator Dianna Russini at BODY at ESPYS at Avalon on July 11, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by John Sciulli/Getty Images for ESPN)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 07: Dianna Russini attends FanDuel's Super Bowl Party Powered by Spotify on February 07, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for FanDuel's Super Bowl Party Powered by Spotify!)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 07: Dianna Russini attends FanDuel's Super Bowl Party Powered by Spotify on February 07, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for FanDuel's Super Bowl Party Powered by Spotify!)
The Athletic's Senior NFL Insider resigned on Tuesday.
The Athletic's Senior NFL Insider resigned on Tuesday.
FILE- Reporter Dianna Russini works on the sidelines before the start of an NFL football game between the Oakland Raiders and the Denver Broncos Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)
FILE- Reporter Dianna Russini works on the sidelines before the start of an NFL football game between the Oakland Raiders and the Denver Broncos Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during an NFL football press conference, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during an NFL football press conference, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during an NFL football press conference, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during an NFL football press conference, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, displayed on a mobile phone, speaks during an NFL football press conference, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, displayed on a mobile phone, speaks during an NFL football press conference, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 19: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots looks on prior to a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 19: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots looks on prior to a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during an NFL football press conference, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during an NFL football press conference, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks to reporters at the NFL football annual meetings, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks to reporters at the NFL football annual meetings, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel walks along the sideline during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 60 football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel walks along the sideline during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 60 football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots looks on prior to the start of Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots looks on prior to the start of Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, left, talks with team owner Robert Kraft at the practice venue for their Super Bowl 60 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, left, talks with team owner Robert Kraft at the practice venue for their Super Bowl 60 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 05: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills in the game at Highmark Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 05: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills in the game at Highmark Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JULY 28: Mike Vrabel head coach of the New England Patriots directs his players during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.(Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JULY 28: Mike Vrabel head coach of the New England Patriots directs his players during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.(Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 14: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots congratulates wide receiver Kayshon Boutte #9 after a play in the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 14: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots congratulates wide receiver Kayshon Boutte #9 after a play in the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: Owner Robert Kraft (R) poses for a photograph with Mike Vrabel as Vrabel is announced as head coach of the New England Patriots during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: Owner Robert Kraft (R) poses for a photograph with Mike Vrabel as Vrabel is announced as head coach of the New England Patriots during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 16: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots looks on against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 20-12. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 16: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots looks on against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 20-12. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 13: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots speaks with head coach Mike Vrabel prior to a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on November 13, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 13: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots speaks with head coach Mike Vrabel prior to a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on November 13, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JULY 28: Mike Vrabel head coach of the New England Patriots talks with Kyle Dugger #23 during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.(Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JULY 28: Mike Vrabel head coach of the New England Patriots talks with Kyle Dugger #23 during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.(Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel celebrates with the trophy after the AFC Championship NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/John Locher)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel celebrates with the trophy after the AFC Championship NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/John Locher)
âLet me first begin by saying thank you. Thank you for your patience that youâve shown in a personal and private matter for me, and obviously everybody involved,â Vrabel told reporters in the media room at Gillette Stadium, without mentioning Russini by name. âI know that thatâs not easy for you, and I respect that and appreciate your efforts in doing so.â
Vrabel said he had a âvery candidâ conversation with Patriots players about his behavior on Monday, something he wanted to do before making a public statement.
âIt was never my intention to have them [the players] speak to you or address you before I did,â Vrabel said. âI also donât want to take away from the Draft...This is an important time for us.â
Vrabel also said heâs had several âdifficult conversations.â
âIâve had some difficult conversations with people I care about, with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players,â Vrabel added. âThose have been positive and productive. We believe in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions, and that starts with me.â
Last year, in his first season as head coach of the Patriots, Vrabel led New England to an AFC Championship victory. The team later fell to the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl.