Dianna Russini is ready to step back into the sports media spotlight. According to an industry source, the veteran NFL reporter is preparing to launch her own digital show next week, marking her first professional move since she resigned from The Athletic in April. The Dianna Russini comeback has been in development for some time, and those close to her say she is eager to return to the work she loves.
A New Digital Platform
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Russini will headline the program, which is set to debut on a digital platform. “She can’t wait to get back to what she loves,” the insider added, noting that the project has been in the works for a while. Details about the show’s format are still emerging, but a second source indicated that Russini plans to interview players and coaches. The source also said that people across the sports industry and within the NFL have been supportive of her return.
Resignation Followed Scandal
Russini’s departure from The Athletic came after photos published by Page Six on April 7 showed her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at the Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona, on March 28. The images, which circulated widely, showed the pair holding hands and hugging. At the time, both Russini and Vrabel, who are married to other people, said they were at the resort with friends and described the interaction as completely innocent.
On April 14, Russini resigned from her position as Senior NFL Insider at The Athletic. In a letter obtained by Page Six, she explained that she was stepping down to end the speculation and damage surrounding the situation. Vrabel addressed the scandal publicly for the first time on April 22 at a pre-NFL draft press conference at Gillette Stadium. He acknowledged having difficult conversations with his family and said he was seeking counseling. He also announced he would not be with the team for Day 3 of the draft. Vrabel promised that his family, the organization, the team, the staff, the coaches and the fans would get the best version of him going forward.
Additional Photos Surface
The story took another turn on April 23 when Page Six published new photos of Russini and Vrabel kissing at a New York City bar in March 2020. At the time, Vrabel was already married to his wife, Jen, while Russini married her now-husband, Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt, six months later. Each has two children with their respective partner.
Career Background and Support
Russini, 43, worked at ESPN from 2015 to 2023 before joining The Athletic as its Senior NFL Insider. Before the news of her return broke, her former ESPN colleague Jon “Stugotz” Wiener publicly offered her a job on his Fox Sports radio show, “Stugotz and Company,” during an April 10 episode. He said he supports his friends and does not bail on them, especially during the worst professional times of their lives.
Now, with her own show on the horizon, Russini appears set to move forward. The source said she has been missed in the industry, and her return is being greeted with enthusiasm by many in the NFL community.
