Dianna Russini Had Close Personal Relationships With Two NFL Head Coaches

Mike Vrabel wasn't the only NFL head coach that Dianna Russini was personally close with.

Russini and the New England Patriots head coach had a personal relationship that was going on for at least six years. Photos have leaked of Vrabel and Russini hanging out at a bar in New York City in 2020. Those photos came out days after Page Six published a report detailing Vrabel and Russini's hangout at an adults-only resort in Arizona, prior to the 2026 league meetings.

Vrabel has since apologized for his behavior, admitting that he's had "difficult" conversations with his family, while Russini resigned from her position at The Athletic.

Russini, though, stands by her behavior.

"Over a career spanning more than fifteen 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 been guided by the highest standards of professional conduct. That record speaks for itself," she said in her resignation letter.

"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."

Russini has said that it's normal for insiders to have close, personal relationships with their sources. It turns out that she had at least two of them with NFL head coaches.

Sean Payton left Dianna Russini some voicemails, checking in on her

Russini revealed in a Bill Simmons podcast appearance in 2025 that the Denver Broncos head coach left her multiple voicemails, checking in on her.

"You understand why he does the things he does and how he operates and when he's in love," Russini told host Bill Simmons. "He's in love with this team right now. Even this summer, coach reached out to me a few times checking in. I missed the call, which, how do you miss a head coaching call? But it happens."

Russini added with a laught, "He left me a voicemail. I gotta see if I still have it."

Payton allegedly left Russini a voicemail, saying "I love my Q," as in quarterback - and hung up. 

"Who does that?" Russini questioned. "So when I saw him [and] we caught up, I was like, ‘What's going on?' He's like, ‘Di, I love this team. Wait ‘til you see.'"

The Athletic, meanwhile, has launched an investigation into Russini's behavior. The results of the investigation are not out yet.

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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 9:50 AM.