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 headlines for weeks. Images of the pair holding hands at an adults-only resort in Arizona first sparked widespread attention, leading Russini to resign from The Athletic and Vrabel to attend counseling sessions.
Barstool Podcast Clip Goes Viral
The latest footage comes from a 2020 Barstool Feud episode, filmed 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 seemed innocent at the time now draws scrutiny amid the scandal. The clip has exploded on X, with users commenting, ‘These bozos [are] just clowning now!’ and ‘Vrabel taking notes like it’s a gameplan review is sending me.’
Earlier Comments from the Same Interview
Another segment from the April 2020 Zoom call features Russini answering ‘Something you close your eyes to do?’ with: ‘When you have sex with your husband or wife.’ Guests erupted in laughter, while Vrabel paused and shook his head.
Barstool founder Dave Portnoy reacted sharply, posting: ‘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 Remarks on Her Marriage
Russini, married to Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt since September 2020, previously shared candid thoughts on ESPN’s Get Up in 2021. ‘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. 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; they have two children.
Recent Developments and Boat Trip Footage
This weekend, Vrabel returned tensely to New England Patriots practice, directing punt-protection drills and demonstrating techniques to draft pick Namdi Obiazor. Patriots owner Robert Kraft has voiced full support for Vrabel.
The scandal intensified with video of a June 2021 boat rental on a Putnam County, Tennessee lake. Russini, visibly pregnant, walks ahead of Vrabel toward the dock; both wear T-shirts and shorts. Rental records confirm only they boarded for two to three hours, while Vrabel coached the Tennessee Titans and Russini covered him for ESPN.
The pair appeared reluctant for fan photos; Russini declined, and Vrabel agreed only if not posted online. Russini gave birth to her first son, Mike, in August 2021—named after her brother, Michael Russini. She now has two sons.
