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News keeps coming about the relationship between Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini, but can the Patriots be punished for the "Diannagate?"
Mike Florio called out Mike Vrabel after the Patriots head coach was seen buying a gift for his wife following his absence from Day 3 of NFL Draft.
If every NFL team could go back in time and only use one draft pick to select a quarterback in their history? Who would it be? Some are obvious, but others are up for a fun debate. With that, let’s dive into a hypothetical re-draft of every NFL team’s best QB ever — with the rule being that they can only take ONE. Which QB will each NFL team choose if they have a chance for a re-draft? Arizona Cardinals: Kurt WarnerNov. 6, 2005; Tempe, AZ, USA; Quarterback (13) Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals against the Seattle Seahawks at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2005 Mark J. Rebilas Warner spent the final four seasons of his career with Arizona, but he was only their undisputed starter for the last two. What did the two-time MVP and Super Bowl 34 champion do in those two years? Oh, you know, throw for 56 touchdowns, lead Arizona to two NFC West division crowns, four playoff wins, and a trip to Super Bowl 43. Warner tried out for the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994. It wasn’t until a successful career in the Arena Football League that NFL teams took notice. In this “what-if” exercise, Arizona wastes no time drafting Warner in 1994. Atlanta Falcons: Matt RyanAugust 16, 2008; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine USA TODAY Sports No change here. The Falcons used the No. 3 pick of the 2008 NFL Draft on ‘Matty Ice’ and never looked back. He holds every franchise passing record, took them to the playoffs six times, won 2016 MVP honors, and nearly guided the club to its only Super Bowl championship. Of course, there’s that whole 28-3 thing. But it doesn’t take away from the remarkable 15 years he provided Falcons fans. Baltimore Ravens: Lamar JacksonDec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs with the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images Yes, Trent Dilfer and Joe Flacco led the Ravens to Super Bowl championships. But let’s be clear, they were surrounded by legendary defenses. Jackson is far and away the most talented QB this NFL team has ever had, even if rumors about a split-up persist. Baltimore actually had to trade up to snag Jackson 32nd overall in 2018. In a do-over, they would use the No. 25 pick — used on South Carolina tight end Hayden Hurst — to take Jackson. Buffalo Bills: Josh AllenJosh Allen (Image Credits: Imagn) With all due respect to Jim Kelly, Allen is easily the most skilled and well-rounded QB the Bills have ever had. We know, Allen hasn’t taken Buffalo to a single Super Bowl yet, let alone four like Mr. Kelly. But Allen has never played on the star-studded teams that Kelly enjoyed in the ‘90s. And just remember how gloomy things were for this franchise before Allen was drafted seventh overall in 2018. Carolina Panthers: Cam NewtonCarolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton yells “I’m back!” after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in a game in 2021. Easy call here. Newton was considered the ultimate “boom-or-bust” QB prospect entering the 2011 NFL Draft. Carolina took a chance on “Super Cam” and took him first overall in what turned out to be one of the greatest classes in league history. The 2015 league MVP dazzled with his electrifying dual-threat game. He led Carolina to four playoff appearances, including a trip to Super Bowl 50. If injuries didn’t derail him over his final three seasons as a Panther, Newton would have a strong case for the Hall of Fame. Chicago Bears: Sid Luckman If the Bears didn’t draft Luckman second overall in 1939, there’s no telling how bad the franchise’s history would look. But alas, the great George Halas hit the jackpot on this pick. And the rest is history. Luckman led the Bears to four NFL Championships in the 1940s. The 1943 NFL MVP also worked as their vice president and QBs coach after his playing career, making his legacy all the more celebrated in Windy City. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe BurrowJoe Burrow (Photo Via Imagn Images) Ken Anderson, Andy Dalton, and Boomer Esiason all played far more games than Burrow has in a Bengals uniform. But he’s unquestionably the best QB this NFL franchise has ever had. If not for injuries and a competent front office, Burrow would maybe have a ring or two by now. It remains to be seen if he’ll get them to the promised land. But for now, Cincy can’t have a single regret about taking him first overall in 2020. Cleveland Browns: Otto GrahamUnknown date & Location; USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns quarterback Otto Graham (60) in a portrait session. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports Like the Bears, the undisputed GOAT of Browns QBs played more than a half-century ago. Graham spent his entire 10-year career with the Browns, spanning from 1946 to 1955. The No. 4 pick of 1944 won three MVP awards and led this otherwise sad franchise to NFL championships in 1950, ‘54, and ‘55. Dallas Cowboys: Roger StaubachJan 18, 1976; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle (64) Steve Furness chases Dallas Cowboys quarterback (12) Roger Staubach during Super Bowl X at the Orange Bowl. The Steelers defeated the Cowboys 21-17 to earn their 2nd consecutive Super Bowl title. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports © Copyright Malcolm Emmons Sorry to Troy Aikman, but Staubach is easily the greatest Cowboy to ever line up behind center. Aikman was great, yes, but a lot of QBs could have won three Super Bowls with his supporting cast. Staubach is the QB who put the Cowboys on the football map in the first place. Joining forces with legendary coach Tom Landry, Staubach — not drafted until the 10th round at 129 overall in 1964 — led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl triumphs in the ‘70s. Unlike Aikman, Staubach was also named to an All-Decades team and the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. Denver Broncos: John ElwayJohn Elway warms up before the Super Bowl against the Atlanta Falcons in Miami on Jan. 31, 1999. Elway was drafted first overall by the Baltimore Colts in 1983. He refused to play for them and was traded to the Broncos. The nine-time Pro Bowler would lead Denver to five AFC titles and two Super Bowl titles in his career. The Colts couldn’t do much. Elway didn’t wanna play there. So in our hypothetical exercise, let’s say the Colts use the No. 1 pick on either Dan Marino or Jim Kelly, allowing Denver to select Elway with the No. 4 pick. Everyone would be happy in this do-over. Detroit Lions: Bobby LayneNov 25, 1962; Cleveland, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback (22) Bobby Layne in action against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium. The Browns defeated the Steelers 35-14. Mandatory Credit: David Boss-USA TODAY Sports © Copyright David Boss After short stints with the Bears and New York Bulldogs, Layne joined the Lions franchise in 1950. Layne led the Lions to NFL championships in 1950, ‘53, and ‘57. As Detroit fans know all too well, the franchise hasn’t been the same since it traded the Hall of Famer to the Steelers in 1958. Detroit hasn’t been to an NFL championship game since trading Layne – another clear-cut indicator that he’s the best QB they’ve ever had. Green Bay Packers: Bart StarrNov 29,1962; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback #15 Bart Starr throws a pass during the Detroit Lions 26-14 win against the Packers at Tiger Stadium. Starr won the NFL most valuable player award in 1966, won the MVP of Super Bowl I and II and only lost one playoff game during his 16-year Hall of Fame career. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports It’s the great debate: Starr, Brett Favre, or Aaron Rodgers? We have to go with Starr, because he’s the one who put this franchise on the map with Vince Lombardi. I mean, he’s a five-time NFL champion who led the Packers to victories in Super Bowls 1 and 2. He laid out the Packers’ winning culture. Take Favre and Rodgers away, and the legacy of Starr still lives on. By the way, hard to believe Starr wasn’t drafted until the 17th round at 200 overall in 1956, huh? Houston Texans: C.J. StroudSep 21, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) reacts after an interception in the 4th quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images As the NFL’s youngest franchise, the Texans haven’t been blessed with a whole lot of quality QB play. Matt Schaub and Deshaun Watson didn’t last long in Houston, whereas Stroud has quickly helped the Texans re-emerge as a contender in the AFC. We’re still waiting for him to regain that MVP-like form we saw in his 2023 rookie year. At the very least, he’s efficient enough as a game manager on a team that leans on its lights-out defense to win. Indianapolis Colts: Peyton ManningDec 26, 2010; Oakland, CA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) gestures during the game against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Colts defeated the Raiders 31-26. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports Not a single regret for the Colts here. They took Manning first overall in 1998 and never looked back. “The Sheriff” turned them into an NFL powerhouse in the 2000s, leading them to 11 playoff appearances, two AFC Championship wins, and a Super Bowl 41 victory. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs on the field before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Texans 17-10. You can easily argue that Mark Brunell is the best Jags’ QB ever. But he was drafted by the Packers in 1993. The Jaguars didn’t enter the league until 1995, so they couldn’t have drafted him. Lawrence has brought mixed results since going first overall in 2021. But three winning seasons and two playoff appearances in five years are nothing to laugh at, considering how horrible the Jags have been in the 21st century. Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick MahomesKansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images) The Chiefs got heat for trading up to take Mahomes 10th overall in 2017 when they already had Alex Smith. Not sure about you, but we don’t think Mahomes has been too shabby with three rings and two MVP awards, with likely more to follow after his injury. Las Vegas Raiders: Ken StablerDec 4, 1977; Los Angeles, CA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler (12) in action against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Long Photography-USA TODAY Sports John Madden coached plenty of Hall of Famers in Oakland, but Stabler proved to be the final piece needed to get Al Davis’ group over the top. The No. 52 pick of 1968 spent his first 10 NFL seasons with the Raiders. The four-time Pro Bowler won MVP honors in 1974, leading the Raiders to a Super Bowl 11 championship triumph. This was their first of three Super Bowls over an eight-year period. Los Angeles Chargers: Dan FoutsSAN DIEGO – NOVEMBER 29: Quarterback Dan Fouts #14 of the San Diego Chargers looks to pass during a game against the Denver Broncos at Jack Murphy Stadium on November 29, 1987 in San Diego, California. Fouts completed 23 out of 48 passes for 322 yards and 2 interceptions. The Broncos won 31-17. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) Take your pick between Fouts and Philip Rivers. But Rivers never earned an All-Pro nod. Fouts was a two-time first-team and two-time second-team all-pro. Rivers led the NFL in passing yards once as the lead QB. Fouts did it four times. So yes, it’s hard to go against the No. 63 pick of 1973. The Bolts were a mostly irrelevant franchise before he arrived. Fouts took them to the playoffs four times in his Hall of Fame career — and Rivers may never go to Canton. Los Angeles Rams: Kurt WarnerSep 23, 2001; San Francisco, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner (13) and offensive linemen Adam Timmerman (62), Andy McCollum (67) and Tom Nutten (61) at the line of scrimmage against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK The Rams have had many great QBS in their history, but Warner was the most talented of them all. He was a tremendous late-bloomer success story. But…imagine if the Rams drafted him back in 1994 instead of waiting until ‘98 to give him a chance? Hey, you know how star-studded those Rams teams were. Warner could have easily won multiple rings if he had come aboard much earlier. Miami Dolphins: Dan MarinoNov 13, 1983; Foxboro, MA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino (13) in action against the New England Patriots at Foxboro Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Yes, Bob Griese led the Dolphins to two Super Bowl championships. But we can’t act like he was a better QB than Marino. Miami drafted ‘Dan the Man’ 27th overall in 1983, a legendary QB class that also included Jim Kelly and John Elway. If Marino had more luck in the postseason, he’d be in the conversation for QB GOATS. Rings aside, he’s a top-five most talented QB in NFL history. Just ask those who watched him sling it. Minnesota Vikings: Fran TarkentonOct 3, 1965; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings quarterback (10) Fran Tarkenton sets to throw a pass as Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle (75) Deacon Jones pressures him at Memorial Coliseum. The Vikings defeated the Rams 38-35. Mandatory Credit: David Boss-USA TODAY Sports © Copyright David Boss Arguably the greatest draft pick in franchise history, Tarkenton slipped to the Vikings in round three at No. 29 overall in 1961. He won NFL MVP honors in 1975 and led Minnesota to three Super Bowl appearances in his Hall of Fame career. The Vikings have had many “good” QBs in their history in the NFL. But none of them had the longevity, consistency, and all-world production Tarkenton provided over two stints in Minnesota. New England Patriots: Tom BradySep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots former quarterback Tom Brady speaks during a halftime ceremony in his honor during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports Shocker! The best to ever do it is the Patriots’ entry. Who’da thought? You all know the story. The No. 199 pick of the 2000 NFL Draft entered the league with no expectations. Fast forward to now, and he’s the undisputed GOAT with seven Super Bowl rings — six as a Patriot — three MVPS and the proud owner of every major passing record. New Orleans Saints: Drew BreesDec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence (57) pressures during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports The Saints signed Brees as a free agent in 2006 when the Chargers opted to roll with Philip Rivers as their QB. And the rest is history. Brees cemented himself as one of the all-time greats over his 15 years in New Orleans. At the time of his retirement, the Super Bowl 44 champion and MVP winner was the league’s all-time passing yards and TDs leader before Tom Brady surpassed him. New York Giants: Eli ManningNew York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) waves to the fans as he exits the field at MetLife Stadium for possibly the last time in his career. The Eagles defeat the Giants, 34-17, on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford. Nyg Vs Phi The Chargers actually drafted Eli first overall in 2004. He refused to play for them and was traded to the Giants, who had selected Philip Rivers fourth overall. In this do-over, the Bolts would just take Rivers first, and the Giants would take Eli at fourth overall. He wasn’t consistent by any means. But flags fly forever. Eli led the Giants to two Super Bowl championships. And he’s the franchise’s all-time passing yards and TDs leader by a healthy margin. New York Jets: Joe NamathUnknown date; Boston, MA, USA: FILE PHOTO; New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath (12) in action against the Boston Patriots. Mandatory Credit: Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports Take away Broadway Joe’s career, and the Jets are by far the saddest franchise in North American sports. Fortunately, Namath led this otherwise abhorrent franchise to its lone Super Bowl championship back in the 1968 season — when the Jets notably beat the heavily-favored Colts. The Jets took Namath first overall in 1965, when they were in the AFL. The St. Louis Cardinals took him 12th overall in the ‘65 NFL Draft. Good thing Namath went to the Jets. Otherwise…. Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan McNabbOctober 6, 2002;Jacksonville,FL,USA; #5 Quarterback Donovan McNabb of the Philadelphia Eagles scrambles against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Alltel Stadium. CREDIT: Paul Chapman/ USA TODAY Sports He’s not in the Hall of Fame like Sonny Jurgensen or Norm Van Brocklin. And he didn’t lead them to a Super Bowl like Nick Foles or Jalen Hurts. Still, it’s hard to go against McNabb here. The No. 2 pick of 1999 earned six Pro Bowl nods and helped the Eagles re-emerge as a juggernaut in the 2000s. He and Andy Reid led Philly to five NFC title games and a Super Bowl 39 appearance. McNabb was long gone when Foles led Philly to its first Super Bowl championship in 2017. Still, the former QB was instrumental in helping Philly go from perennial disappointment to perennial NFL contenders. Pittsburgh Steelers: Terry BradshawUnknown date; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Chuck Noll (left) on the sidelines with quarterback Terry Bradshaw (12). Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports There’s a small crowd of Steelers fans who would prefer Ben Roethlisberger on this list. But Big Ben didn’t win four rings like Bradshaw. He never won an MVP like Bradshaw. He never earned All-Pro honors or All-Decade honors like Brashaw, either. Yeah, the Black and Gold struck gold, alright, by drafting Bradshaw first overall in 1970. Need anything else? San Francisco 49ers: Joe MontanaJan 20,1985; Palo Alto, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana (16) on the field against the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX at Stanford Stadium. Montana was voted the games most valuable player as he completed 24 of 35 passes for a Super Bowl record 331 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed five times for 59 yards including a 6 yard touchdown as the 49ers defeated the Dolphins 38-16 marking their 2nd Super Bowl championship. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-US PRESSWIRE If not for Brady, Montana would be the greatest draft steal in NFL history. The 49ers didn’t take him until round three at No. 82 overall. Little did everyone know that this pick would turn the league upside down. Montana led the 49ers to four Super Bowl championships. And let’s be real, would Steve Young have led the 49ers to their fifth Super Bowl if he didn’t get to learn behind ‘Joe Cool’ in the first place? Seattle Seahawks: Russell WilsonDec 21, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws the ball during warmups before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Wilson’s tenure with the Seahawks ended on ugly terms, but there’s no debating who the best QB in franchise history is for this NFL team. Seattle’s legendary 2012 draft class included the jackpot selection of Wilson in round three at No. 75 overall. He took Seattle to the postseason eight times in 10 years. They won two NFC titles and Super Bowl 48 in the 2013 season. Oh, and he has those nine Pro Bowl nods as a Seahawk on his resume. Not bad, even for the now journeyman. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tom Brady20. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021) – 374.7 points He only played three seasons with the Bucs, but the GOAT sure made ‘em memorable. If you’re a Bucs fan, your only complaint is “what if” they drafted TB12 in the first place? As previously noted, he wasn’t taken until round six at No. 199 overall in 2000. He led the Bucs to one Super Bowl title, but it would have been far more if Tampa had landed him 20 years earlier, before 2020 free agency. Tennessee Titans: Warren MoonDec 9, 1984; Anaheim, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Houston Oilers quarterback Warren Moon (1) and guard Mike Munchak (63) in action against Los Angeles Rams defensive linemen Reggie Doss (71) and Reggie Doss (77) at Anaheim Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK Moon is the longest-tenured Titans QB ever. Only one of three Hall of Fame signal-callers to wear this jersey, the others being George Blanda and Ken Stabler. Moon played for the Titans/Houston Oilers franchise from 1984 to ‘93. The nine-time Pro Bowler led them to six playoff appearances and holds every franchise passing record by a country mile. Not bad for a former CFL star who didn’t make it to the NFL until 1984 as an undrafted free agent. Washington Commanders: Sammy BaughUnknown date & Location; USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins quarterback Sammy Baugh in a portrait session. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports Sonny Jurgensen and Joe Theisman deserved shout-outs. But Baugh, who played way-back-when from 1937 to 1952, Baugh led Washington to NFL championships in 1937 and ‘42. The six-time Pro Bowler was the ultimate Swiss Army Knife, also playing punter and safety. Baugh was also named to the NFL’s 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time teams.
Patriots TE Hunter Henry and LB Robert Spillane come to the defense of Mike Vrabel amid HC's ongoing drama involving Dianna Russini.
The New England Patriots are no strangers to scandal, with Mike Vrabel's alleged affair far from their first rodeo.
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry discussed the message that coach Mike Vrabel communicated to the players after one has been a difficult offseason for the head coach.Henry has been one of the key veterans for the team in what has been an ever-changing roster. He joined the Patriots in 2021 and has been […] The post Patriots TE Reacts as Mike Vrabel Sets the Tone In Locker Room appeared first on HEAVY.
Another clue has emerged regarding the relationship between former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. David Covucci of FOIAball discovered what appears to be a Spotify playlist Russini made for Vrabel in December of 2022. The playlist, titled “TURNIN THE PAGE,” was shared with a user named Mike on December … The post Dianna Russini appeared to make Spotify playlist for Mike Vrabel appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.
How does Dianna Russini look amid the scandal involving Patriots HC Mike Vrabel? Find out more about this former player's perspective.
An NFL head coach is the true leader of a team, as he sets the vision for how the team should function year in and year out. The head coach calls plays, serves as the communication hub for the team’s assistant coaches, and carries most of the workload in preparing plays and schemes. However, as with all jobs in the national spotlight, there have been some wild and strange scandals that put an NFL coach in the media bubble for all the wrong reasons. Sometimes scandals can occur off the football field, and shady actions can take place during practices, resulting in a toxic organization and ethical violations down the road. These scandals also hurt the reputations these coaches have established over the years coaching in the league, or if they came from college football. Here at TPS, we’re going to explore 10 strange NFL coaching scandals that have occurred over the years and give our take on all of them. Which NFL head coaches were involved in a shady scandal? Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini spotted at a Sedona, Arizona resortDec 28, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Perhaps the most recent NFL scandal that’s still getting a ton of media coverage is New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, photographed with sports journalist Dianna Russini at the Ambiente Sedona resort in Sedona, Arizona. In the photos, Vrabel and Russini are seen holding hands, hugging, and sitting together in a hot tub on a private bungalow rooftop. Both Russini and Vrabel have denied any romantic involvement with one another, but Russini’s career has taken a bit of a hit. The Athletic, which is owned by the New York Times, launched an investigation into Russini’s personal conduct, which resulted in Russini resigning from her position on April 14, 2026. Both Vrabel and Russini are married to other people, with Vrabel married to his wife, Jen Vrabel, since 1999, while Russini has been married to Kevin Goldschmidt since 2020. Vrabel’s career is still intact for now, but his actions off the field will be questioned moving forward during the 2026 season. Urban Meyer allegedly kicking the kickerJaguars general manager Trent Baalke during Friday afternoon’s press conference at TIAA Bank Field. After his arrival in Jacksonville, Florida Friday morning, April 30, 2021, Jacksonville Jaguars first-round draft pick Trevor Lawrence along with team owner Shad Khan, head coach Urban Meyer and the Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke held a press conference in the afternoon inside TIAA Bank Field. They were also joined by the Jaguars 25th pick in the first round of the draft and former Clemson teammate of Lawrence, running back Travis Etienne. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union] Jki 043021 Trevorlawrencea 4 We could make a list of just about all of the scandals Urban Meyer had during his short tenure as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coach. From dancing with a younger woman at a bar in Cincinnati after the team lost a Thursday Night game against the Cincinnati Bengals, to allegedly calling his assistant coaches losers, and hiring Chris Doyle, who has faced accusations of racism and bullying when he was an assistant coach with the Iowa Hawkeyes. However, one of the worst moments that was the straw that broke the camel’s back in Meyer’s disastrous tenure with the team was when he allegedly kicked placekicker Josh Lambo during a practice. Lambo accused Meyer of kicking him in the leg during warmups before the team’s final preseason game, telling him to “make your f•••ing kicks.” A claim that detailed the 2021 Jaguars as a hostile work environment. The accusation Lambo brought up against Meyer ultimately led to his firing from the team, as the Jaguars also had a 2-11 record under Meyer’s leadership. Lambo also filed a lawsuit against the Jaguars, alleging Meyer created a hostile work environment, and the team did nothing to stop it. Lambo’s lawsuit was dismissed on November 16, 2022. The Napkin ResignationNov 22, 2009; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline as they take on the New York Jets during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Jets 31-14. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports In 2000, then assistant head coach Bill Belichick was promoted to the head coaching job of the New York Jets after Bill Parcells stepped down and wanted him to take command of the NFL team. However, Belichick’s tenure as the team’s head coach was short-lived, as he was their head coach for one day. Belichick resigned from the job via a note on a napkin that said, “I resign as head coach of the New York Jets.” then gave a half-hour speech on why he chose to resign. The abrupt resignation stemmed from Belichick’s refusal to work under Jets’ owner Woody Johnson. Then, the New England Patriots named Belichick their head coach, even though the Jets and Parcells claimed that Belichick was under contract with the organization. Then, NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue forced the Patriots to give up a first-round pick to the Jets for Belichick’s services, and the rest became history, as he transformed the Patriots into a super dynasty in the 2000s, while the Jets became a laughing stock for most of the 21st century so far. SpygateDec 29, 2019; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the sidelines during the second half of their loss to the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports As we mentioned earlier, Belichick transformed the New England Patriots into a winning juggernaut during his tenure, but his time with the Pats did have some dark moments. During the 2007 season, it was revealed to the world that the Patriots were filming opposing teams’ signals during games from the sidelines. Eric Mangini, who was the head coach of the New York Jets and a former assistant coach under Belichick, reported the fact that the Patriots were taping from the sidelines to NFL Security. It was also reported that the Patriots were filming 40 other games from 2000 to 2007. Belichick was fined $500,000 for his role in Spygate, the largest fine issued to an NFL head coach, while the Patriots were fined $250,000 and were stripped of a first-round pick. The Patriots also had to turn over notes, tapes, and other materials related to the incident and threatened further discipline if they didn’t comply. The NFL revealed that it received the requested materials and destroyed them. The destruction of the tapes would be criticized by then-U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, who said to the New York Times, “I am very concerned about the underlying facts on the taping, the reasons for the judgment on the limited penalties, and most of all, on the inexplicable destruction of the tapes,” as he was concerned with the league’s handling of the tapes, the integrity of the game, and the league’s anti-trust exemption. The Patriots ended up going 16-0 in the regular season that year, and lost Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants, led by Eli Manning and coached by Tom Coughlin. Josh McDaniels’ Walkthrough incidentSep 10, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports During the 2010 season, then-Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels was involved with a scandal nicknamed “Spygate II” or “the Walkthrough Incident,” as Steve Scarnecchia was caught filming the San Francisco 49ers’ six-minute walkthrough practice. Scaranecchia presented the video to McDaniels, but he refused to watch it and told him that’s not how an organization conducts business. The NFL didn’t take the scandal lightly, as they fined the Broncos and McDaniels $50,000 each. Scaranecchia was also involved with the Spygate scandal, as he worked for the New England Patriots during the 2000s. He would be fired by the Broncos for being a repeat offender of filming opposing teams during his time with the Pats. The NFL later determined that the incident was an isolated act by Scaranecchia, which didn’t have a competitive effect for the Broncos, as it served more as an embarrassment during a losing season. McDaniels never ordered the filming and didn’t watch it, per an NFL investigation. McDaniels would be fired from his position as head coach of the Broncos when they had a 3-9 record, and the team finished the year with a 4-12 record. BountygateAug 8, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams looks on during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports “Bountygate” was one of the NFL’s most notorious scandals from the late 2000s to early 2010s, as then-defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints, Gregg Williams, paid players to hit opposing players who had bounties on their heads, which is illegal in the NFL. If the player was knocked out of the game, Williams would pay a bonus to the defensive player who caused that hit. Roger Goodell and the NFL found that 22 to 27 defensive players on the Saints were involved with “Bountygate.” Linebacker Jonathan Vilma was alleged to have offered $10,000 in cash to anyone who knocked Brett Favre out of the NFC Championship game. As a result of the scandal, Saints’ head coach Sean Payton was suspended for one full season for not stopping the scandal under his watch. Gregg Williams was suspended indefinitely and fired by the St. Louis Rams after the 2012 season without coaching a single defensive snap for them. Vilma was suspended for the entire 2012 season. Then-Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis was suspended for eight games, the Saints were fined $500,000, and lost second-round draft picks for the 2012 and 2013 NFL Drafts. Payton would be the offensive coordinator of Liberty Christian High School in Texas for the 2012 season and return to coaching the Saints in the 2013 season. Williams would return to coaching in 2013 and had stints with the Tennessee Titans, St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, DC Defenders of the USFL/UFL, and was recently the defensive coordinator for Tennessee State in 2025. Bobby Petrino’s Midnight DepartureNov 29, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks interim head coach Bobby Petrino prior to a game against the Missouri Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images Petrino is renowned as a college coach, coaching teams like the Louisville Cardinals, the Arkansas Razorbacks, and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers throughout the years. Many of you have probably forgotten that Petrino was briefly the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons for the 2007 season. Petrino’s brief tenure with the Falcons was a disaster, as the team went 3-10 under his watch. His college-style coaching discipline flopped in the NFL, failure to find a true replacement quarterback after the Michael Vick scandal, and he oversaw a ton of dysfunction during his time with the Falcons. Petrino resigned from his duties as the Falcons’ head coach, with just three games left in the regular season, by leaving a 78-word note in the lockers of every player on the team, even though he originally signed a five-year, $24 million contract in the prior offseason. Petrino would take the head coaching job at the University of Arkansas for the 2008 season. Hours before the controversial resignation, Petrino reportedly shook Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank’s hand, saying, “You have a head coach.” His cowardly exit was harshly criticized by players, assistant coaches, and the NFL. Then, Falcons’ defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer called Petrino a “gutless bastard” and a “coward” years later. Petrino’s exit was often referred to as a significant breach of professional ethics, as Blank prevented him from interviewing for the Arkansas Razorbacks head coach job until he resigned to take the college coaching job instead. The Jon Gruden Email LeakFormer NFL Coache Jon Gruden have a laugh while attending an NFL training camp session ten at the Miller Electric Center, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Gruden’s return to NFL coaching was a mixed bag, as he made questionable moves and had underwhelming results during his time as the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach from 2018 to 2021. During the 2021 season, Gruden was caught up in an email scandal that showed he used homophobic and misogynistic language for seven years before getting the Raiders’ head coaching job in 2018, following an investigation into the Washington Football Team for workplace misconduct. The emails revealed Gruden using homophobic language to insult commissioner Roger Goodell, calling him clueless and anti-football. Gruden mocked Michael Sam, who was the first openly gay player to be drafted by a team in 2014. Gruden also used a racist trope describing DeMaurise Smith’s lips. He resigned as the head coach of the Raiders in 2021, stating he didn’t want to be a distraction. Gruden would later sue Goodell and the league, alleging they were orchestrating a plan to destroy his career. A judge in Nevada denied the NFL’s request to dismiss the case on May 25, 2022. The Nevada Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s ruling allowing Gruden’s case against the NFL to proceed with a trial date set for May 2027. Gruden has worked for Barstool Sports since 2024 and revived his “Gruden’s QB Class,” which has become a huge success with the organization. Lane Kiffin’s firing on the phoneDec 27, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Louisiana State Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin looks on prior to the game against the Houston Cougars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images One of the more bizarre scandals the NFL dealt with was how coach Lane Kiffin was fired from the Oakland Raiders in 2008. Kiffin was the youngest head coach hired in the NFL, as he was 31 when he took the Raiders job back in 2007. However, Kiffin’s tenure with the Raiders was a disaster, as the 2007 team finished the year with a 4-12 record. Kiffin was fired by the late Al Davis on September 30, 2008, due to intense power struggles, and having a 5-15 record during his tenure as head coach of the “Silver and Black.” Davis was known for not being patient with coaches, and after Kiffin was fired by Davis, he held a strange 90-minute press conference displaying a three-page letter he sent to Kiffin weeks earlier. During the conference, Davis referred to Kiffin as a “con-man” and a “flat-out liar” and called the firing “for cause” as it was a way to avoid paying the remaining $2.6 million in salary money at the time. Kiffin filed a grievance to recover his unpaid salary in 2010, but an arbitrator ruled in favor of the Raiders. Sal Alosi's sideline trip The Sal Alosi sideline trip scandal took place during the 2010 season when Rex Ryan’s New York Jets squared off against the Miami Dolphins, even though the Jets lost the game 10-6. Alosi, who was the Jets’ strength and conditioning coach, intentionally tripped Nolan Carroll as he ran down the sidelines during a punt return. The act was condemned and regarded as a “competitive violation” and a “dangerous tactic.” The league investigated the incident and found out that Alosi ordered five inactive players to form a wall to impede opposing players. Alosi was suspended indefinitely for the rest of the 2010 season, was fined $25,000, and the Jets were fined $100,000. Alosi also resigned from the Jets in January 2011 and has taken strength and conditioning jobs with Bryant University, UCLA, and UConn from 2011 to 2020, respectively.
Shannon Sharpe broke it down perfectly.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has hit New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel with a reality check amid his scandal with Dianna Russini, which appears to have no end in sight. Recently, new photos were captured of Vrabel that showed him shopping at the Salt Lake City International Airport by himself. These pictures […] The post Mike Florio hits Mike Vrabel with harsh reality over Dianna Russini scandal after airport photos appeared first on ClutchPoints.
There were a few key areas of need for the New England Patriots in the NFL Draft. That included at edge rusher, which the team tried to address in the second round by taking Gabe Jacas out of Illinois.It seems like that was a well-spent draft pick. Jacas is already receiving praise, and Ethan Hurwitz […] The post Patriots Draft Pick Gabe Jacas Projected as a Week 1 Starter for New England appeared first on HEAVY.
Russini, 43, resigned from her job at The Athletic earlier this month amid bombshell allegations she had an affair with Vrabel, 50, who stepped away from the New England Patriots for counseling.
Dianna Russini's comments about Mike Vrabel were misconstrued as something else in 2024.
As the Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini scandal remains in the spotlight, one analyst believes it was common knowledge in the NFL.
YOUNGHOE Koo’s comical missed field goal is still having major knock-on effects. A fan is claiming that his life was saved by laughing at the 31-year-old’s missed kick for the…
Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots announced releasing tight end Marshall Lang on Monday. The post Patriots Part Ways With Second-Year TE Days After 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on HEAVY.
North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick showed his support for girlfriend Jordon Hudson at her cheerleading competition in Florida by dressing up with cheer squad merch.
We’re beginning to get more details on Dianna Russini’s life amid the fallout of her alleged affair with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Two weeks ago, Russini and Vrabel, who are both married to other people, were photographed getting chummy at an adults-only hotel in Arizona. At the time, Russini denied any wrongdoing […] The post Dianna Russini Reportedly ‘Shellshocked’ By Mike Vrabel Scandal, Still Plotting Her Next Move appeared first on BroBible.
Patriots insider Tom E. Curran reveals Mike Vrabel is unlikely to lose his job despite the ongoing Dianna Russini controversy.
The Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel scandal has continued to unfold, with the latest discovery being a Spotify that the former ESPN and The Athletic reporter sent the New England Patriots head coach. And not just any playlist, either, but a resoundingly terrible one. Internet sleuths at FOIAball — which uses the Freedom of Information […] The post Terrible Spotify Playlist That Dianna Russini Seemingly Sent Mike Vrabel To Cheer Him Up During Titans 4-Game Losing Streak Uncovered appeared first on BroBible.
“This is elder abuse” “He looks miserable”: NFL fans mock Bill Belichick for wearing GF Jordon Hudson’s "Code Black" cheer group merch Sportskeeda
