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Why Fans Think Dianna Russini Named Her Son After Mike Vrabel

By Miguel A. Melendez Men's Journal

Just days after Dianna Russini resigned as an NFL Insider from The Athletic after photos of her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel surfaced, another set of explosive photos is fueling questions about the nature of their relationship, past and present.

Page Six published 6-year-old photos appearing to show Russini and Vrabel cozy at a "secluded bar in New York City." One photo in particular appears to show Vrabel leaning in for a kiss. Page Six quotes an eyewitness saying, "They were kissing, and they were all over each other." The eyewitness added that Vrabel "had a ring on."

According to the outlet, Russini and Vrabel visited "the dimly lit Tribeca Tavern in the early hours of March 11, 2020." The photos were taken six years before Russini and Vrabel were caught holding hands and hugging at a resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.

An NFL Scandal

The controversy has rocked The New York Times-owned sports outlet, which vigorously defended Russini when the Scottsdale photos surfaced. Its executive editor called the photos "misleading" and said they lacked "essential context."

But it wasn't long before The Athletic walked back its defense. The company ultimately pulled Russini from covering the NFL and launched an investigation. The probe had barely initiated before Russini resigned.

Meanwhile, Vrabel's media duties were limited ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. But he spoke with reporters -- looking visibly uncomfortable -- just days before the draft, saying he had "some difficult conversations with people" he cared about over a "personal and private matter."

At the time the 2020 photos were taken, Russini was an NFL reporter at ESPN, which declined to comment to Front Office Sports as to whether the network is reviewing her past work there. Multiple reports say, in light of the newly surfaced photos, the NFL is still not investigating Vrabel for his conduct.

Also, at the time the 2020 photos were taken, Russini was 6 months shy of tying the knot with Kevin Goldschmidt, her now-husband, who is a Shake Shack executive. Vrabel was also married to his wife, Jen.

When the Scottsdale photos surfaced, both Vrabel and Russini said they did not depict the entire group there with them, though no such photos of the group ever surfaced.

Did Dianna Russini Name Her Son After Mike Vrabel?

That's the question many fans are asking after an Aug. 11, 2021, tweet started going viral.

"Keep looking at my almost 4 day old son Michael while trying to figure out who are the best Michaels to ever play and coach in the NFL?" Russini, who shares two children with her husband, tweeted at the time.

Suffice it to say, the tweet spawned endless commentary and memes speculating about their relationship.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 12:46 PM.

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