The Los Angeles Chargers are known for their creative social media game, and their latest schedule release video is no exception—this time taking a playful jab at the ongoing drama surrounding New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL reporter Dianna Russini.
In March, photos surfaced showing Vrabel, 50, and Russini, 43—both married to other people—holding hands and hugging at a luxury resort in Arizona. The images set off a media firestorm, and additional photos from previous years have since resurfaced. Vrabel issued a public apology without addressing the nature of the relationship, while Russini resigned from The Athletic and has remained silent.
The Chargers, never ones to miss an opportunity for some friendly banter, wove references to the scandal into their 2026 schedule reveal video. Released Thursday and created using the iconic video game Halo, the six-minute clip features a moment announcing the team's Week 12 matchup against the Patriots. In the bottom right corner, an icon reads: "NYPost sent you a message"—a nod to the publication that originally broke the story. Another cheeky detail: a neon green sign that says, "Next photo dump one mile."
Social media users were quick to react, with many praising the Chargers' social media team for their wit. "I AM F***ing CRYING THEY ANNIHILATED THE PATRIOTS…perfection once again from the Chargers," one fan wrote. Another added: "Chargers social media team absolutely FRIED Mike Vrabel, I'm f***ing crying." A third commented: "Okay, it's official. The Chargers took a shot at Mike Vrabel & Dianna Russini. Not surprised at all. Vrabel and the Patriots probably should've known this was a possibility…"
The drama has continued to unfold, with additional photos published over the past month—including one that appears to show the pair kissing at a New York City tavern in March 2020, months before Russini married Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt. Last week, TMZ shared images of Russini, who was pregnant at the time, walking with Vrabel on a dock before boarding a boat.
Whether you're a Chargers fan, a Patriots follower, or just love a good sports story with a touch of humor, this schedule release is a reminder that in the NFL, the drama off the field can be just as entertaining as the action on it.