Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel can't escape his offseason scandal with Dianna Russini after he made a bizarre decision during New England’s preseason opener against the Colts
FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 06: New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel arrives to New England Patriots training camp on August 6, 2026 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Summer Lamont/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Mike Vrabel is hoping to focus on the gridiron rather than off-field drama this year(Image: Getty Images)
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Mike Vrabel found himself back in the spotlight after the Patriots’ preseason opener, with his bizarre challenge-flag throw prompting NFL fans to once again reference reporter Dianna Russini.
The challenge came after Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson fumbled and was initially ruled down. But a replay showed Patriots linebacker K.J. Britt had knocked the ball loose before Richardson hit the ground, prompting Vrabel to make his move.
The Patriots head coach launched the red challenge flag high into the air with such force that he appeared to send it into another dimension. Vrabel even kicked his leg up on the follow-through and spun around, somehow managing to keep his headset firmly in place.
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A number of replies quickly turned their attention to Russini, with fans referencing the offseason scandal after images emerged appearing to show Vrabel with the NFL reporter. Photos initially showed the pair holding hands and hugging at a high-end, adults-only resort in Arizona.
Further images released weeks later appeared to show the two together in 2020, when Vrabel was head coach of the Tennessee Titans.
Vrabel and Russini were also pictured together in 2021, reportedly while renting a private boat. Vrabel has since avoided directly confirming or denying the alleged affair, while also stopping short of offering an outright apology as he attempts to keep the matter private. Both Vrabel and Russini are married to their respective partners.
"He is doing everything possible to try and get people to forget about his offseason controversy", said one X user. "A lot of anger in that man," wrote another.
Fans also drew comparisons with Bill Belichick’s challenge-flag throw from a few years ago. Belichick clearly disagreed with the decision and dramatically tossed the challenge flag directly in front of the official.
However, the referee failed to see the flag and did not stop play for a review, meaning the challenge was never made and Belichick was reportedly able to keep the flag.
The NFL recently announced a rule change allowing head coaches to designate a member of their coaching staff to throw challenge flags. However, Vrabel played down the significance of the change, insisting the practice is not entirely new and that teams have long discussed who will handle the flag before games.
“I don’t think that that’s new because I think that there are other people,” Vrabel said. “I don’t know where this is getting so much traction. I think maybe it’s on a form now that it’s a designated person.
"The officials will normally ask us 90 minutes prior to the game. You have a meeting, and you go through who has the challenge flag, who’s the get back coach, who’s the captains, who has a cast, running any trick plays, anything that we want to look for.”