Photos of New York Times sports journalist Dianna Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel have surfaced. The photos, obtained by Page Six, were taken at the Ambiente Sedona hotel in Arizona on March 28.
Vrabel said the photos showed “a completely innocent interaction.” Russini added that they “don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.”
Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of the Athletic, said the photos are “misleading.”
Russini’s Career with the NFL
Dianna Russini is a senior NFL Insider for the Athletic. She joined the Athletic in August 2023 after a stint at ESPN. She contributes to video and audio projects and leads breaking news coverage for the outlet.
NBC Sports reports that Russini is one of the highest paid writers for the Athletic. She is likely making more than New York Times veterans Maggie Haberman or David Brooks.
Before joining the Athletic, Russini worked at ESPN for eight years as an NFL Insider and reporter. She appeared on shows such as “SportsCenter,” “NFL Live,” “Sunday NFL Countdown” and “Get Up.”
Russini’s Earlier Career
Earlier in her career, Russini was the youngest reporter hired at WNBC in New York City. She then became a sports anchor and reporter for Comcast SportsNet Northwest (CSN Northwest) in Seattle.
Russini also worked at News 12 Westchester, and NBC affiliates WVIT.
Russini on Career Progression
Russini once said the key to her success was to be “relentless” in pursuing one’s goals. She said that she always took a step forward when she was uncomfortable.
“I didn’t let anyone stop me,” she declared.
Speaking about her move to the Athletic, Russini said ESPN did want her to stay, but there was no opportunity for her to change roles. She felt that the Athletic valued her more than ESPN, and that they offered her an endless amount of roles and ideas.
“Once I realized they were pretty much handing me over a blank sheet of paper that basically just said go be who you want to be, I realized that this could change my life. The Athletic showed that they value me more than ESPN, for sure.”
Russini said that the Athletic wants information, a storyteller, and someone with personality.