Mike Vrabel said Thursday that he is putting his family first when addressing his photo scandal with Diana Russini, a marked change from when he first told Page Six that a photo of the two hugging and holding hands in a hotel was “laughable” and not worth a response.
Vrabel was asked by reporters at a pre-NFL Draft press conference about the transition from laughing at the photo two weeks ago to telling ESPN on Wednesday that he was seeking counseling.
“It’s a private and personal matter. I don’t think there was a comment like that…I think it was always my intention to try to protect your family,” he said. “I’m not going to deny it by any means, but I think my family and this football team are the most important things, and that’s what I’m trying to do. I’m excited about the challenge of both.”
Vrabel, 50, initially told Page Six about the hotel photos taken at Ambiente in Sedona, Arizona: “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable and deserves no further response.”
And Russini, 43, said, “The photo does not represent a group of six people hanging out during the day. Like most NFL journalists, the reporter is interacting with sources away from the stadium and other venues.”
A Page Six spy said Vrabel and Russini had breakfast on the patio of a hotel restaurant on March 28, then spent an hour relaxing together by the pool and relaxing side by side in the hot tub.
Our spies also spotted Vrabel and Russini on the private rooftop of one of the hotel’s bungalows on March 28th. This bungalow is only accessible through two-person bungalows priced at up to $2,160 per night.
In the photo, the two can be seen hugging and facing each other with their fingers intertwined at sunset. Spies said the two were seen dancing together briefly.
On Thursday, Page Six published a photo of the two kissing at a bar in New York City in March 2020. The hotel photo was posted six years ago and six months before Russini married her current husband, Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt.
Vrbael has been married to his wife Jen Vrabel since 1999.
The New England Patriots coach and the NFL reporter were spotted together inside the dimly lit Tribeca Tavern on March 11, 2020, sitting close together while talking at the bar, and at one point appearing to kiss.
“They were kissing and crazy about each other,” an eyewitness told Page Six. “He was wearing a ring.”
Russini resigned from his position as The Athletic’s senior NFL insider on April 14 amid an investigation by the outlet. She denied any wrongdoing.
“This media frenzy is proceeding at breakneck speed, ignoring the vetting process The Athletic is attempting to complete,” she wrote in part in a letter to The Athletic editor-in-chief Stephen Ginsburg obtained by Page Six. “Repeated breaches continue to escalate the situation, and I am unwilling to respond to a public inquiry that has already caused more damage than I am willing to accept.”
At Thursday’s press conference, Vrabel reiterated to reporters that he prioritizes his family and team and strives to show everyone the best version of himself.
“I take responsibility for my actions and those that caused a distraction to those I care about most, including my family, this football team, our organization, and our fans,” he said.
“As you know, my actions thus far have not lived up to the standards that I hold for myself, and they really are not. I think it’s best for the two things that are most important in my life, my family and my football team, that we work together and take the steps necessary to accomplish what I told them I would give them, which is the best version of me,” he continued. “And that’s what we’re trying to do.”
The Patriots also said they supported Vrabel in a statement obtained by Page Six on Thursday after the father of two announced he would miss Day 3 of this weekend’s 2026 NFL Draft for counseling.
“Mike has been open with us about his commitment to be the best version of himself for his family, this team, and our fans. We respect the steps he is taking to live up to that commitment,” the organization said.
