New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had a very good 2025 season. The team finished the regular season with a 14-3 record and finished first in the AFC East. They went all the way through the playoffs to the Super Bowl, though they lost it 29-13 to the Seattle Seahawks.
Vrabel and the players have since then enjoyed the offseason. However, he is now facing backlash after being caught with someone.
Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini seen together
Many were left shocked when photos emerged of Vrabel with The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini at the upscale Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona. Published by Page Six on April 7, though they were taken around March 28, the pictures showed the two in close proximity during what appeared to be a relaxed day at the adults-only property.
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel
Mar 31, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks to reporters in the media during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The photos showed the pair holding hands with fingers interlocked while standing face-to-face on a private bungalow rooftop. Others showed them hugging at sunset, lounging poolside, and spending time in a hot tub. This closeness between them led many to believe they are in a romantic relationship, even though they are both married to other people and have children.
While Vrabel does not have any previous controversies, Russini was accused in 2015 by the wife of then-Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan of an inappropriate relationship, though it was later found to be false and the wife apologized.
With considerable attention on them, the two issued statements and denied any romantic involvement between them. Russini claimed that there was a group of six people on that day, while Vrabel simply said, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.” However, his statement instead evoked a mocking response.
Barstool Big Cat mocks Mike Vrabel after Dianna Russini encounter
Dan Katz, also known as Barstool Big Cat, decided to respond hilariously to Vrabel’s statement that the encounter was innocent. He tweeted, “Sometimes you end up on a private rooftop in a beautiful setting with interlocked fingers. Just friends interlocking fingers. I interlock with my boys all the time. Hey wanna lock up real quick? Shit like that. Normal things of that nature”.
He went even further on the Barstool podcast “The Yak“. He and co-host Kate recreated the handhold pose by Vrabel and Russini. They later added that it felt awkward, and joked that it was “totally normal” behavior between friends.
Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini will have a tough time ahead, as they are facing significant backlash over their recent incident.