The spotlight in the lead-up to the 2026 NFL Draft shifted to Dianna Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel after photos of the two surfaced at a resort in Sedona, Arizona.
Vrabel is set to miss Day 3 of the draft as he seeks counseling, but what about NFL insider Russini — will she be involved in draft coverage this year?
Dianna Russini Will Not Be Covering the 2026 NFL Draft
Russini will not be covering the 2026 NFL Draft. The veteran reporter resigned from her role at The Athletic on April 14, 2026, and has maintained a low profile since.
Russini, who previously covered the NFL for ESPN from 2015 to 2023 before joining The Athletic, stepped down shortly after the scandal.
Before the review concluded, Russini sent a letter to executive editor Steven Ginsberg, stating she was stepping away rather than allowing the situation to escalate further.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” she wrote in the letter.
She added that the situation had turned into a “media frenzy” and said she had “no interest in submitting to a public inquiry” that had already caused significant personal and professional strain.
“Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires,” Russini noted. Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports reported that her contract was set to expire on June 30.
Mike Vrabel’s Status During the NFL Draft 2026
Unlike Russini, Vrabel, who was announced as the Patriots’ 16th head coach in franchise history on January 13, 2025, remains in his role. He will remain involved with the team but will step away for part of the NFL Draft to seek counseling and is expected to miss Day 3 on Saturday.
Patriots vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said, “Very involved. Business as usual. He’s been in there with us a little more than he was last year.”
Vrabel also addressed the situation, saying his focus is on being the “best version” of himself for his family and the organization, and that he did not want it to become a distraction for the team.
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“I care deeply about this football team and am excited to coach them. I also know that I’m going to attack each day with humility and focus. And what I can promise you is that the my family, this organization, the team, the staff, the coaches, everybody, our fans, most importantly, will get the best version of me going forward.”
Despite the attention surrounding the situation, there has been no indication of disciplinary action against Vrabel, and the focus is now shifting back to the NFL Draft.
