Dianna Russini deletes X account after relentless mocking, questionable comments resurface
NFL reporter Dianna Russini is no longer with the X.
Russini deleted his social media account before the start of the NFL Draft on Thursday as he faced relentless mockery for past posts following his controversial relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
Page Six published photos of Russini and Vrabel kissing at a bar in New York City more than six years ago. TMZ then shared photos of the two laughing at a casino after the Titans fired Vrabel after the 2023 season.
Late Wednesday night, Vrabel announced he would be leaving the team to seek counseling. He spoke to reporters ahead of the first round of the draft. But he had no answers as to why he ignored the first round of photos showing the two lounging and getting close at an Arizona facility during NFL meetings earlier in the season.
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ESPN reporter Dianna Russini watches the NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 16, 2018. (Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire)
Social media sleuths had already investigated Russini’s wild comments about Vrabel and her husband before Vrabel’s decision to leave Wednesday, but the additional posts found appeared to be too much for Russini to take.
Russini was an NFL reporter for ESPN and The Athletic, now owned by The New York Times, and was well-sourced and covering major NFL news at both outlets.
Despite strong support from The Athletic, Russini resigned from the company before the company announced an investigation.
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Dianna Russini attends a screening of “A Lifetime Of Sundays” at the Paley Center for Media on September 18, 2019 in New York City. (Astrid Stawiarz/WireImage)
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” his letter read. “When the Page Six article first appeared, The Athletic unequivocally supported me, expressing confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. I am grateful for that. In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media engaged in self-fulfilling speculation that was completely disconnected from the facts.”
“Furthermore, this media frenzy is accelerating with no regard for the review process that The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate with repeated leaks, and I have no interest in resorting to a public inquiry that is already causing far more damage than I am prepared to accept. Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now – before my current contract expires on June 30. I am doing this not because I accept the narrative created around this episode, but because I refuse to lend further oxygen or put me or my career in harm’s way.” “allows you to define it.”
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore on March 31, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
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Neither Vrabel nor Russini ever addressed their relationship, professional or otherwise.
For now, Vrabel remains the head coach of the Patriots.
