Dianna Russini (Getty Images)
She will launch The Russini Report, a one-hour weekly programme on BetUS TV’s website and X account, beginning Wednesday, November 11, at noon ET.
Looking back on the difficult months, she told PEOPLE: “The best way to describe what the last six months were like for me is heartbreaking,” she said. “I would not wish that experience on any person ever,” she said. Russini said the support she received from people close to her has given her the confidence to return.
Dianna Russini is ready to face the NFL world again, but her return comes after a period she describes as one of the most painful chapters of her career. The former Athletic reporter has finally spoken about the personal and professional fallout surrounding the Mike Vrabel controversy. In her first interview since leaving the publication, Russini opened up about the emotional toll, her family’s support and the career setback that changed her priorities. Now, with a new weekly show on the way, she is preparing to rebuild her place in NFL coverage. However, the controversy quickly overshadowed her reporting career. “But through it, I did get an opportunity to not just learn about myself, but my family and our priorities, and maybe some decisions and things I was doing in my career, and putting it before what I really wanted most, which was to be a mom. Despite the controversy, Russini is not walking away from NFL reporting. For Russini, the new show represents more than another broadcasting opportunity. It gives her a chance to reconnect with NFL audiences while moving forward after a turbulent year.