A newly resurfaced video captures Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini exchanging flirty banter in front of reporters, adding fuel to their ongoing affair scandal that has gripped NFL circles for weeks.
Background of the Scandal
Images surfaced last month showing the pair holding hands at an adults-only resort in Arizona, sparking widespread attention. Since then, Russini has stepped down from her position at The Athletic, and Vrabel has sought counseling. Additional videos from past interactions continue to emerge, highlighting their alleged relationship.
Barstool Feud Clip Goes Viral
The latest footage comes from a 2020 Barstool Feud episode, recorded via Zoom during COVID-19 lockdowns. In a Family Feud-style game, Russini, appearing from her bedroom, responds to the prompt ‘Tell me something a man might do to get a woman in the mood’ with, ‘Kiss her! This is good advice for you guys.’
Vrabel interjects enthusiastically: ‘I’m paying very close attention. I’m so excited.’ What once seemed innocent now draws scrutiny amid recent revelations.
Social media users have reacted strongly, with one posting on X: ‘These bozos [are] just clowning now!’ Another noted: ‘Vrabel taking notes like it’s a gameplan review is sending me.’
Another Awkward Moment from the Same Interview
Earlier that week, a different segment from the April 2020 call gained traction. Asked to name ‘something you close your eyes to do,’ Russini replied, ‘When you have sex with your husband or wife.’ Guests laughed, while Vrabel paused his work off-camera and shook his head.
Barstool founder Dave Portnoy, a vocal Patriots fan, responded on X: ‘What the f*** is this clip!!! I disavow! There is no way this can be real. Can we just play some football! Hut hut! Blue 42! Blue 42!!! Hut! Hut!’
Russini’s Past Comments on Marriage
Russini, married to Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt since September 2020, previously discussed her relationship on a 2021 ESPN’s Get Up episode. ‘I’m married to someone average,’ she said. ‘I don’t post a lot about him. If I was married to someone beautiful, I’d over-post too.’
Co-hosts prompted clarification, and she added: ‘We’re average together.’ She continued, ‘And you know what the worst part is… He sent me a text during that segment—not watching ’cause he actually works for a living—and he said, “Good luck today. Be great on Get Up.” So the guy’s got a heart of gold, and here I am on national TV killing him. Look, we’re average together, but he makes me above average because he married me. I am so sorry, I need to really stop killing my husband on television. I’m going to be divorced by Christmas!’
Vrabel has been married to Jen for over 20 years, and they share two children.
Recent Sightings and Escalations
Vrabel recently returned to New England Patriots practice amid the controversy, directing punt-protection drills and coaching sixth-round pick Namdi Obiazor.
Video from June 2021 shows the pair arriving for a private boat rental near a lake in Putnam County, Tennessee—months before Russini gave birth to her first son, Mike, in August 2021. Footage captures Russini, visibly pregnant, walking ahead in T-shirts and shorts, turning to speak with Vrabel.
A signed waiver confirms only they boarded the vessel for two to three hours. Reports indicate they hesitated to pose for fan photos, with Russini declining and Vrabel agreeing only if not posted online. Russini named her son after her brother, Michael Russini.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft has expressed full support for Vrabel.
