Dianna Russini, the former senior NFL insider for The Athletic, is reportedly exploring new job opportunities after stepping down in April 2026. This decision followed the publication of photos by Page Six showing her with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at a resort in Arizona. According to Front Office Sports, Russini is in discussions for roles ranging from pro football insider to opinionist/personality.
The Athletic recently concluded a five-month investigation into Russini's relationship with Vrabel, stating that she was 'noncompliant' with the company's standards. Barstool Sports is identified as a leading candidate to hire her, given her friendship with hosts Dan Katz and Eric Sollenberger of the 'Pardon My Take' podcast.
Sources indicate that Russini is planning a return to sports media soon. Fox Sports Radio host Jon Weiner expressed his willingness to hire her during a May show, stating that 'the offer holds forever.'
The investigation by The Athletic, led by editorial director Mike Semel, reviewed 903 stories and 77 videos associated with Russini, along with 204 episodes of her podcast and 25 off-platform appearances. Semel noted that most of Russini's work did not pertain to Vrabel, describing it as 'transactional and newsy.' However, he acknowledged that some of her past reporting on Vrabel was 'awkward or even uncomfortable.'
The Athletic concluded that Russini should have disclosed her relationship with Vrabel to allow for proper editorial oversight. Semel also mentioned that Russini delayed informing her editors about the photos for two days after being confronted by Page Six.
Russini, who has two sons with her husband Kevin Goldschmidt, joined The Athletic in August 2023 after eight years at ESPN, where she was a prominent NFL insider contributing to shows like 'SportsCenter' and 'Get Up.'