NFL Reporter Dianna Russini Under Investigation for Relationship with Patriots Coach

Russini's marriage to Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt has come under scrutiny after photos surfaced of her with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering, high-contrast textures like sequins and shattered glass, conceptually representing the glamour and celebrity culture of the sports media industry.The alleged relationship between a prominent NFL reporter and a high-profile head coach has cast a spotlight on the complex ethical boundaries in sports journalism.Santa Clara Today

NFL reporter Dianna Russini has been married to Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt since 2020, and they have two young sons together. However, their marriage came under intense scrutiny in April 2026 after photos emerged of Russini holding hands and interacting intimately with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at a luxury resort in Arizona. The Athletic, where Russini has worked since leaving ESPN in 2023, has opened an investigation into the 'nature of Ms. Russini's relationship with Mr. Vrabel'.

Why it matters

The alleged relationship between Russini and Vrabe, who is also married, raises questions about journalistic ethics and the boundaries between reporters and their sources. As a prominent NFL reporter, Russini's actions could have significant implications for her career and the public's trust in sports journalism.

The details

In April 2026, Page Six published photos of Russini and Vrabel at the Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona, showing them hugging, holding hands, and lounging by a pool together. Both Russini and Vrabel, who has been married to his wife Jen since 1999, denied any wrongdoing, claiming the photos were misleading and the interaction was 'innocent'. However, a source told The New York Times that Russini's employer, The Athletic, had opened an investigation into 'the nature of Ms. Russini's relationship with Mr. Vrabel'.

  • In April 2026, Page Six published the photos of Russini and Vrabel at the Ambiente resort.
  • In February 2026, Russini joked on a podcast that her marriage was 'falling apart' and she was 'getting divorced at the end of the year'.

The players

Dianna Russini

An NFL reporter who has worked for ESPN and The Athletic since 2023.

Kevin Goldschmidt

Russini's husband, who is an executive at Shake Shack.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots, who has been married to his wife Jen since 1999.

The Athletic

The media company that owns the publication where Russini has worked since 2023 and has opened an investigation into her relationship with Vrabel.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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

“The photos don't represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. It's not unusual for reporters to interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”

— Dianna Russini

What’s next

The Athletic's investigation into the nature of Russini's relationship with Vrabel is ongoing, and the outcome could have significant implications for Russini's career.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex ethical boundaries that sports journalists must navigate, as well as the potential consequences of blurring the lines between professional and personal relationships with sources.