NFL Insider Dianna Russini Addressed Marriage Troubles Before Vrabel Photos

Russini's mother suggested her husband might be cheating months before controversial images emerged.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:37pm

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NFL insider Dianna Russini, 43, recently addressed marital issues with her husband, Shake Shack executive Michael Goldschmidt, on a radio show, saying her mother suggested he might be cheating on her. This came just months before photos surfaced of Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who is also married, interacting intimately at a resort in Sedona, Arizona. Both Russini and Vrabel have denied any improper relationship, with Russini's employer, The Athletic, defending her as a 'premier journalist.'

Why it matters

The photos of Russini and Vrabel have sparked speculation and controversy around their relationship and potential infidelity, raising questions about journalistic ethics and the personal lives of high-profile sports figures.

The details

In February, Russini appeared on the Stugotz and Company radio show and revealed that her mother had recently suggested Russini's husband might be cheating on her. Russini said her mother told her, 'You know, I'm starting to think he's got a girlfriend. And you know what, good for him. He looks good, he's successful. His wife's never around.' Russini and her husband, Michael Goldschmidt, have been married since 2020 and have two young sons. The controversial photos of Russini and Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, who is also married, were taken two weeks before being published by Page Six on April 7, 2026. The photos show the two interacting intimately, including holding hands, sunbathing, and sharing a hot tub. Both Russini and Vrabel have denied any improper relationship, with Russini's employer, The Athletic, defending her as a 'premier journalist' whose interactions were 'public' and 'in front of many people.'

  • In February 2026, Russini discussed her mother's suggestion that her husband might be cheating on a radio show.
  • The photos of Russini and Vrabel were taken two weeks before being published by Page Six on April 7, 2026.

The players

Dianna Russini

A 43-year-old NFL insider and reporter for The Athletic.

Michael Goldschmidt

Russini's husband, an executive for Shake Shack.

Mike Vrabel

The 50-year-old head coach of the New England Patriots.

Steven Ginsberg

The executive editor of The Athletic, who defended Russini in a statement.

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What they’re saying

“You know, I'm starting to think he's got a girlfriend. And you know what, good for him. He looks good, he's successful. His wife's never around.”

— Dianna Russini's mother

“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn't deserve any further response.”

— Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots head coach

“These photos are misleading and lack essential context. These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we're proud to have her at The Athletic.”

— Steven Ginsberg, Executive editor of The Athletic

What’s next

The Athletic is expected to continue supporting Russini as she covers the NFL, while the public scrutiny and speculation around her relationship with Vrabel is likely to continue.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges faced by high-profile sports journalists, whose personal lives can become the subject of intense public scrutiny, even when their professional conduct remains above reproach.