Dianna Russini Reveals New Job After Mike Vrabel Photos Scandal

Dianna Russini is stepping back into the sports media spotlight.

The former NFL insider for ESPN and The Athletic recently announced her official return with a new weekly series, The Russini Report, which will stream on BetUS TV’s website and X account along with an accompanying column, while also teaming up with Jon “Stugotz” Weiner as a featured contributor on the Nobody’s Safe podcast.

The move marks Russini’s comeback following a turbulent six months away from the industry. Earlier this year, she found herself at the center of public scrutiny when Page Six published photos in April showing her and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel holding hands and embracing at an Arizona hotel.

While both Russini and Vrabel—who are married to other people—denied any impropriety, the media fallout and an internal investigation by The Athletic into conflict-of-interest standards led to her resignation.

In a recent interview with People, Russini opened up about the emotional toll of the scandal and described the initial wave of media coverage and public reaction as a heartbreaking nightmare.

“The best way to describe what the last six months were like for me is heartbreaking,” Russini told People. “At the beginning of this, it was a nightmare.”

To protect their family from the news cycle, Russini, her husband Kevin Goldschmidt, and their family deleted their social media accounts and stopped following the news.

“The lies became so out of control,” Russini added. “This was a runaway train, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.”

However, Russini credited a close circle of supporters with helping her navigate the turbulent period. She also said she rediscovered her passion for football during this time.

She said that Weiner was among the first to offer public support by asking her to join the Nobody’s Safe podcast.

“In a time when it was easy to pile on, and I think people were enjoying watching my career fall apart, Jon was really bold and loyal, and he was a friend to me,” Russini said reflecting on Weiner’s support at the time.

Russini also told People that she received an overwhelming wave of daily check-ins and motivational messages from NFL players, coaches, general managers, and team owners urging her to return to work.

“The absolute best part of this situation has been the loyalty the NFL has shown me,” she told the publication.