Exclusive Photos: New England Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel and NY Times NFL Reporter Dianna Russini Spotted Together at Luxury Sedona Hotel

Exclusive photos obtained by Page Six appear to show New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and New York Times senior NFL reporter Dianna Russini in what looks like intimate moments at a luxury resort in Sedona, Arizona. The images, which were captured over a weekend getaway, appear to show the pair holding hands, hugging, and spending time together at the Ambiente Resort, a boutique adults-only hotel renowned for its scenic views of the Brins Mesa mountains.

Vrabel, who took over as Patriots head coach in January 2025, and Russini, a former ESPN anchor now covering the NFL for the Gray Lady’s sports section via The Athletic, were reportedly spotted at the resort on March 28. The boutique hotel, located in the heart of Sedona’s Red Rock country, offers private bungalows with glass-walled rooftops, providing guests with panoramic views of the area’s famed rock formations.

According to eyewitnesses, the Patriots coach and the NFL insider spent a leisurely morning together, having breakfast on the hotel patio at around 10:30 a.m. before relaxing by the pool and enjoying the hot tub. Observers reported that the two lounged side-by-side, holding hands and even dancing briefly on a private rooftop. The rooftop access is exclusive to the resort’s two-person bungalows, which can cost up to $2,160 per night, underscoring the luxury nature of their surroundings.

While both Vrabel, 50, and Russini, 43, are married to other people—Vrabel to Jen Vrabel since 1999 and Russini to Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt since 2020—sources claim the pair were visiting the hotel as part of larger social groups. However, multiple eyewitnesses reported seeing only Vrabel and Russini together throughout the day.

A Page Six insider detailed the day, noting that after breakfast, the pair spent roughly an hour and a half by the pool before leaving the area separately. Vrabel appeared relaxed, walking barefoot with his sneakers in hand, while Russini strolled by the poolside. Despite speculation about their intentions, both Vrabel and Russini insist that they were at the hotel with friends who were simply not visible in the photos.

Vrabel had attended a scouting event at Arizona State University in Tempe on Friday, March 27, before driving approximately 125 miles to Sedona. Following their time at the Ambiente Resort, Vrabel reportedly headed to the Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix to attend an NFL Competition Committee meeting, a gathering of team owners and coaches responsible for reviewing and overseeing league rules.

Russini, who joined The Athletic in 2023 after leaving ESPN, has built a high-profile career covering the NFL. She began her NFL reporting career as the Tennessee Titans beat reporter for ESPN and quickly established herself as a prominent insider, routinely covering teams such as the Patriots. She hosts “Scoop City: Inside the NFL”, a podcast that explores league news, interviews with players, and insider perspectives on professional football.

Vrabel, a former linebacker for the Patriots, led the team to a Super Bowl appearance this season, continuing the franchise’s storied legacy. Forbes ranks the Patriots as the fourth most valuable NFL franchise, valued at approximately $9 billion with annual revenues exceeding $762 million. Vrabel’s reported salary is around $15 million per year, reflecting his high standing in the league.

The relationship between Vrabel and Russini is long-standing, dating back to her coverage of the Titans in 2018 when Vrabel became head coach. Over the years, Russini has covered many significant moments in Vrabel’s coaching career, including the Titans’ 2020 AFC Championship Game run. Despite previous controversies during her career—such as a 2015 incident involving the Washington Commanders’ front office—Russini has maintained a respected presence in sports journalism.

In response to the photos, Vrabel told Page Six, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.” Russini echoed similar sentiments, stating, “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.”

Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of The Athletic, added, “These photos are misleading and lack essential context. These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we’re proud to have her at The Athletic.”

Russini, born in The Bronx and now residing in New Jersey, celebrated her 2022 wedding anniversary on Instagram with her husband, writing, “Two years today was the best day of my life — when I married Kev in front of our family and dozens of friends over Zoom! It’s you and only you, for me, forever.” Vrabel and Jen celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 2024 and have two sons, one of whom briefly played for the Atlanta Falcons.

The Ambiente Resort in Sedona is renowned for its romantic atmosphere, frequently hosting proposals, honeymoons, and anniversary celebrations. The resort’s adults-only policy, luxury bungalows, and private rooftops make it a destination favored by couples seeking privacy and scenic beauty.

Following their Sedona trip, both individuals continued with professional obligations. Vrabel attended meetings in Phoenix, while Russini covered the NFL press events, including Biltmore gatherings attended by owners, executives, and coaches. Their public interaction at the resort has sparked attention online, reflecting the intersection of sports, media, and personal lives in the NFL world.

As the story circulates, fans and media watchers continue to analyze the images and eyewitness reports, highlighting the scrutiny faced by public figures in high-profile roles. The incident underscores the delicate balance NFL insiders and coaches must navigate in both professional and personal spheres.

In summary, the exclusive photos of Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini at the Ambiente Resort in Sedona have generated significant buzz, capturing moments of apparent closeness. Both parties emphasize the innocence of the interaction, contextualizing the images as part of normal journalist-source interactions within the NFL community.