NFL coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL reporter Dianna Russini’s relationship is continuing to raise eyebrows after news broke that the pair reportedly rented a private boat together back in 2021.
According to documents obtained by TMZ on Wednesday, May 6, the pair both signed a company waiver before heading out on a lake in Putnam County, Tennessee, at the time.
TMZ also obtained a photo of Vrabel posing with staff members during the alleged visit in June 2021.
US Weekly has reached out to contacts for Vrabel and Russini for comment.
At the time of the alleged boat ride, Russini was pregnant and expecting her first child with her husband, Kevin Goldschmidt. She gave birth later that summer to their first of two kids.
As for Mike, he has been married to his wife, Jen Vravel, since 1999 and they also share two children. Both Mike and Russini remain married to their respective partners amid speculation their relationship is something more than platonic.
Mike and Russini first made headlines in April when Page Six posted photos of the pair linking hands and sharing a hot tub at an Arizona resort.
“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” Mike told the Post. “This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
In a separate statement, Russini added, “The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”
Since then, multiple outlets have published additional photos of Mike and Russini together.
On April 14, Russi resigned from her job at The Athletic while denying her relationship with the football coach was ever anything more than romantic.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” Russin said via social media at the time. “When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful. In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts.”
As for Mike, he returned to coach the New England Patriots after seeking counseling.
“I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend,” Mike said in a statement to ESPN on April 22. “This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them.”
The statement continued, “I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be. This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result.”
