Ousted NFL reporter Dianna Russini sets return to work — 7 months after quitting over Mike Vrabel scandal

A new digital show

A source with knowledge of the deal told Page Six that Russini will lead her own show. The source described the project as exciting for her and said it had been developing for some time.

The show will be on a digital platform and is expected to launch next week, the source said. NBC Sports separately reported that Russini had told people in the NFL she intended to return to work next week.

The source said people in her industry and at the NFL had supported her and missed her. The source did not know how much she would earn from the new venture.

Resignation after scrutiny

Russini, 43, worked at ESPN from 2015 to 2023 before joining The Athletic as its Senior NFL Insider. She resigned after photos published by Page Six on April 7 showed her with Vrabel at Ambiente, a resort in Sedona, Arizona, on March 28.

A source said Russini and Vrabel had breakfast on the hotel restaurant patio, spent time by the pool and hot tub, and were seen holding hands and hugging in a private bungalow area. The two said they were at the resort with friends and described the encounter as “completely innocent.” In a letter obtained by Page Six, Russini said she was resigning to end the speculation and damage surrounding the situation. The article describes her departure as occurring earlier this year, but does not specify that seven months had passed.

Vrabel addresses the episode

At a press conference before the NFL draft on April 22, Vrabel acknowledged having “difficult conversations” with his family. He said his family, organization, team, staff, coaches and fans would receive the best version of him going forward.

Vrabel was married to Jen when those pictures were taken. Russini married her now-husband, Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt, six months later; each has two children with their respective partner.

An offer from a former colleague

Before reports of Russini’s planned return, her former ESPN colleague Jon “Stugotz” Wiener publicly offered her a role on his show. On an April 10 episode of his Fox Sports radio program, “Stugotz and Company,” he said she could join him and Izzy if The Athletic let her go. Wiener said he supported his friends and would not abandon them during the worst professional period of their history.