Could Dianna Russini return to NFL coverage?
Mike Florio hints at a possible comeback before the Patriots opener. (Getty Images)
The review examined 903 articles, 77 videos and more than 200 podcast episodes connected to her work.
He said Russini “seems to be planning a comeback” and suggested it could happen “possibly as soon as tomorrow,” just one day before the Patriots’ season opener. Front Office Sports reported that Russini is “absolutely” planning to return to sports media. The report said she has considered different roles, including another NFL insider position and a more personality-focused role. He said the relationship should have been disclosed, regardless of its nature.
Dianna Russini could be preparing for a return to NFL coverage. The suggestion puts Russini back in the spotlight after months away from NFL reporting and adds another twist to the controversy involving Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. Florio raised the possibility in his latest ProFootballTalk column. Recent reporting also supports the idea of a comeback. That could make her next move particularly interesting. Russini spent years building a reputation as a well-connected NFL reporter, first at ESPN and later as The Athletic’s lead NFL insider. A return would give her another chance to rebuild her career after one of the most closely watched media controversies of the offseason. The Athletic’s internal review added important context to the story. Editorial director Mike Semel wrote that Russini’s relationship with Vrabel “was in clear violation of The Athletic’s standards. However, the investigation did not find a clear link between the relationship and Russini’s reporting. Only a small portion focused on Vrabel, the Patriots or his former team, the Tennessee Titans. Meanwhile, Vrabel has moved his attention back to the Patriots. He addressed the investigation during a Patriots press conference and made it clear that he wanted to move forward with the upcoming season.
Mike Florio has now hinted that the former Athletic reporter may come back as soon as the day before the New England Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks.