Dianna Russini was seen kissing her husband while appearing to show the world that they are going strong despite the continuous headlines surrounding her rumored affair with Mike Vrabel
06:27 ET, 16 May 2026
Russini stepped down from her job at The Athletic over the scandal
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Russini stepped down from her job at The Athletic over the scandal(Image: Getty)
Former New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton has brandished Dianna Russini 'desperate' after she was seen kissing her husband in public.
The former number one overall draft pick has insinuated that the photo is staged amid the constant backlash over her rumored affair with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Russini has been pictured with Vrabel in 2020, 2021 and 2026 - with images showing them appearing to kiss, renting a private boat and staying at a resort in Arizona.
Both Russini and Vrabel are married with kids, with the reporter resigning from her role with The Athletic. Vrabel's role with the Patriots remains under scrutiny.
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Speaking on his 4th & 1 podcast, Newton said: “This is a sign of desperation, this is the old Hail Mary Doug Flutie.
"And out of all the photographers and the pictures… Kevin, this got to be AI. I’m saying to myself, hold on, Diana, you need to stop it…You need to stop. She has to be stopped.”
According to a source, the pair remain strong and have been seen together at activities with their children, along with other family occasions, even amid the scandal. Now, they appear to be looking forward to working together to remain a couple.
Cam Newton speaking to the camera on his podcast
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Cam Newton has called out the images being shared (Image: YouTube/4th&1 with Cam Newton)
A source told Page Six: “People in the community have said they’ve been very resilient as a family. They haven’t been in hiding.”
When the first round of images were released, Vrabel attempted to play them down while stating: “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response."
A second round of images were released, with Vrabel seemingly taken accountability while expressing his regrets, but did not publicly apologize.
During a press conference prior to stepping away from the team for the final day of the NFL Draft, he said: "I want to reiterate the gratitude you guys have shown to my private matter.
Dianna Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel chat during a podcast
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Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel's old conversations are being finely examined after rumors of their association (Image: YouTube (@TAScoopCity))
"I take accountability for my actions and the actions and distractions that hurt the people I care most about - my family and this football team, the organization and our fans.
"My previous actions do not meet the standards I hold myself too."
However, he refused to step down from the Patriots despite pressure to do so - taking time away from the team before returning.
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"I think the best steps is for myself and this football team is for us to work together and give them what I told them I would - the best version of me. I want to give them the best version of me possible."
The Patriots will be hoping the headlines die down as they head into the 2026 season, while opening the year with the first game of the campaign coming as a Super Bowl rematch against the Seattle Seahawks.