Diana Russini resigns after alleged affair with Mike Vrabel: “It’s what’s best for me and my family”

Rumors about a supposed romance between NFL reporter Diana Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel have dominated league chatter in recent weeks. A series of photos — allegedly showing the two spending time together at a pool — began circulating online, and from there, the story exploded. Even some of Russini’s own colleagues at The Athletic fanned the flames on their respective platforms.

After weeks of speculation and mounting pressure, Russini made a major decision. On Tuesday afternoon, April 14, she announced she was cutting ties with The New York Times’ sports outlet, The Athletic, through a public resignation letter.

“It’s what’s best for me and my family”

In her letter, Russini wrote:

“Dear Steven, Please accept this letter as my resignation from The Athletic, effective immediately. I have come to this decision with deep sadness but with clarity about what is right for me, my family, and the work I have spent my career building.

“You and I have already publicly addressed the recent attacks against me, and I have nothing to add publicly to what we have said. I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published..”

She continued:

“When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful.

“In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts. Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept.”

Russini explained that she chose to step away before her contract expired this summer:

“Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.

“Over a career spanning more than 15 years in sports journalism—at NBC, ESPN, and The Athletic—I have built a body of work I am proud of. I have broken stories, earned the trust of sources across the league, and have been guided by the highest standards of professional conduct. That record speaks for itself.

“I remain grateful to The Athletic and for the extraordinary colleagues with whom I have worked there, for the platform it provided, and for the support you showed me during this difficult time. I wish you nothing but continued success.”

A rumor that spiraled into a resignation

What started as a simple rumor has now led to the departure of one of the NFL’s most respected reporters. So far, neither the New England Patriots nor Mike Vrabel have commented publicly on the situation. The scrutiny has fallen almost entirely on Russini — and the saga doesn’t appear to be over.

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