Dianna Russini makes major career move with Melissa Nathan as Barstool Sports emerges as a possible landing spot
Dianna Russini could be preparing for her next move in NFL media after leaving The Athletic in April 2026. However, Russini has not publicly confirmed a comeback or announced her next employer. Russini hired Melissa Nathan, founder of The Agency Group PR, ahead of her reported media comeback, according to a Page Six report. Russini’s reported decision could help her manage public attention as she weighs her next career step.
The veteran reporter has reportedly hired a high-profile publicist as she considers a return to the sports industry. The move comes months after her resignation sparked questions about her future in football reporting. Nathan has handled publicity for high-profile figures, including Johnny Depp, Logan Paul and Justin Baldoni.
The move follows a controversy that began on April 7, 2026, when Page Six published photographs of Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel together in Sedona, Arizona. ESPN hired her in 2015 as a SportsCenter anchor before she moved into full-time NFL and XFL coverage. In August 2023, she joined The Athletic as a senior lead NFL journalist, a role she held until her resignation in April 2026. In May 2026, Weiner said he would hire her if she wanted to return to the industry, adding that his offer would remain open.
Russini said the photographs lacked context and described the gathering as a group hangout. Russini is weighing offers from traditional sports networks and digital media outlets, according to the report. “No-brainer, if she wanted to work here, we’d do it,” Portnoy said, according to the report. Radio host Jon “Stugotz” Weiner has also offered Russini a place on his platform.
Both denied any impropriety. Russini still has considerable experience in NFL reporting. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has publicly expressed interest in hiring her.