Former ESPN NFL insider Dianna Russini is preparing to return to sports journalism months after resigning from The Athletic following controversy involving New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
According to Page Six, Russini, 43, is expected to launch a new digital show next week.
An industry source familiar with the project told the outlet that Russini will lead her own program, which will feature interviews with NFL players and coaches.
“She’s going to be headlining her own show, which is very, very exciting for her,” the source told Page Six.
The upcoming project will mark Russini’s return to NFL coverage after she stepped away from The Athletic in April 2026.
Dianna Russini’s New NFL Show Expected to Launch Next Week
Page Six reported that Russini’s new program has been in development for some time.
“It’s going to be on a digital platform. It will be launching next week,” an industry source told the outlet. “It’s been in the works for a while and she can’t wait to get back to what she loves.”
The source did not disclose the name of the digital platform or Russini’s compensation.
Another person familiar with the project said Russini intends to interview NFL players and coaches as part of the show.
“Everyone in her industry, and at the NFL has been really supportive of her. She’s been missed,” the first source added.
NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk previously reported that Russini had been contacting people around the NFL to let them know she planned to resume working the following week.
Russini spent eight years at ESPN, joining the network in 2015 before leaving in 2023 to become The Athletic’s senior NFL insider.
During her time at both outlets, she covered NFL personnel decisions, trades, coaching developments, and other league news.
Former ESPN Colleague Publicly Offered Russini a Job After Athletic Exit
Russini received public support from former ESPN colleague Jon “Stugotz” Wiener shortly before her departure from The Athletic.
During the April 10 episode of his Fox Sports radio program, “Stugotz and Company,” Wiener said he would welcome Russini to his show if she lost her position.
“If the Athletic gets rid of her, she’ll be sitting right next to me and Izzy doing the show,” Wiener said.
He also defended his decision to support his former colleague.
“I support my friends, I don’t bail on my friends, especially at their worst professional time in their history. I don’t do that to them, OK?” Wiener said.
Russini ultimately resigned from The Athletic on April 14, a week after Page Six published photographs of her with Vrabel at a luxury resort in Arizona.
Dianna Russini Left The Athletic Following Photos With Mike Vrabel
Page Six published photographs on April 7 showing Russini and Vrabel, 50, together at Ambiente, a resort in Sedona, Arizona.
The images, reportedly taken March 28, showed the journalist and Patriots coach holding hands and embracing near a bungalow.
A source also told the outlet that the pair ate breakfast together and spent time near the resort’s pool and hot tub.
Russini and Vrabel maintained that they were visiting the resort with friends and described their interaction as “completely innocent.”
Following the publication of the photographs, Russini submitted a resignation letter to The Athletic.
Vrabel was married to his wife, Jen Vrabel, at the time. Russini married Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt later that year.
Both have two children with their respective spouses.
Former ESPN NFL Insider Dianna Russini Set for Career Comeback Months After Mike Vrabel Scandal