Fresh details are emerging about the relationship between an NFL coach and a prominent sports reporter after a report claimed the pair rented a private boat together years before photos of them embracing in Arizona surfaced online.
According to Page Six, former ESPN reporter Dianna Russini and NFL coach Mike Vrabel rented a private boat in Tennessee in June 2021 for a short outing that allegedly lasted between two and three hours.
A source with direct knowledge told the outlet that the two were reportedly the only passengers aboard the vessel during the excursion in Putnam County.
Documents obtained by TMZ reportedly show both Vrabel and Russini signed waivers before boarding the boat.
The outlet also reported the pair appeared cautious about being photographed during the outing.
Russini allegedly declined to take pictures with staff members, while Vrabel reportedly permitted only one photo and requested that it not be shared publicly.
The reported boat trip took place while Russini was pregnant with her first child. She later gave birth to her son, Michael, in August 2021. Russini married Kevin Goldschmidt in 2020.
The latest report follows a string of public scrutiny surrounding the pair after exclusive photos published by Page Six showed Vrabel and Russini together at the Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona, earlier this year.
Witnesses told the outlet the pair were seen holding hands, embracing, spending time at the pool, and relaxing in a hot tub before later appearing on the rooftop of a resort bungalow.
Vrabel, who has been married to Jen Vrabel since 1999, denied any wrongdoing after the Arizona photos surfaced.
“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” Vrabel told Page Six. “It doesn’t deserve any further response.”
Russini also pushed back on the speculation.
“The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day,” she said. “Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”
Soon after, older photos reportedly showing the pair kissing at a New York City bar in 2020 were published by Page Six.
“They were kissing and they were all over each other,” an eyewitness told the outlet, adding that Vrabel “had a ring on.”
The controversy escalated during the 2026 NFL Draft when Vrabel announced he would temporarily step away from the New England Patriots to focus on his family and seek counseling.
“My previous actions don’t meet the standards that I hold myself to,” he said during a press conference. “My family needs me this weekend and that’s where I’ll be.”
Following the release of additional photos, Russini reportedly deleted her social media accounts, while Vrabel and his wife traveled to Park City, Utah, for what was described as an emergency marriage summit.
