As debate continues to stir about NFL insider Dianna Russini’s relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, a resurfaced video revealed Vrabel wasn’t the only coach in Russini’s inner circle.
During an appearance on “The Bill Simmons Podcast” in August 2025, Russini, 43, spoke about her relationship with Denver Broncos head coach, Sean Payton.
“You understand why he does the things he does and how he operates and when he’s in love,” Russini told host Bill Simmons. “He’s in love with this team right now. Even this summer, coach reached out to me a few times checking in. I missed the call, which, how do you miss a head coaching call? But it happens.”
Russini continued with a laugh, “He left me a voicemail. I gotta see if I still have it.”
Payton, 62, allegedly left Russini a succinct voicemail — saying “I love my Q,” as in quarterback — and hung up.
“Who does that?” Russini questioned. “So when I saw him [and] we caught up, I was like, ‘What’s going on?’ He’s like, ‘Di, I love this team. Wait ‘til you see.’”
Payton was named head coach of the Denver Broncos in January 2023. During his third season in the Mile High City, Payton helped guide the Broncos to the 2026 AFC Championship Game in January, where they ultimately lost to Vrabel’s New England Patriots.
DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 25: Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos speaks with line judge Tom Eaton during the AFC Championship Playoff game against the New England Patriots at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
As for Russini, she resigned from her job as senior NFL insider at The Athletic earlier this month after Page Six published photos of her and Vrabel, 50, together at a luxury resort in Arizona.
Since Russini’s resignation, other photos of the pair have been published by multiple outlets, including pictures from March 2020 that seem to show her and Vrabel kissing at a bar in New York City.
Russini has been married to her husband, Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt, since September 2020 and the couple share two sons: Michael, 4, and Joey, 3.
Vrabel has been married to his wife, Jen Vrabel, since 1999 and the couple also share two sons: Tyler, 25, and Carter, 24.
Despite Vrabel attending counseling over the weekend, which forced him to miss day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday, April 25, both he and Russini have still not explicitly stated that their relationship was anything other than professional.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” Russini wrote in her resignation letter shared via social media on April 14. “When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful. In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts.”
The statement continued, “Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept.”
Russini’s former employer, The Athletic, launched an investigation into Russini’s conduct with Vrabel earlier this month. The findings of the investigation have not yet been released.
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