3 NFL Reporters Ousted Ahead Of The 2026 Season
The NFL's media landscape will look different in 2026.
Ahead of the 2026 NFL season, three prominent NFL hosts and reporters are out of a job, for a variety of reasons.
The most notable: Dianna Russini, an insider for The Athletic, has resigned from her position, amid the ongoing scandal with Mike Vrabel. Russini was photographed hanging with Vrabel at a popular resort in Arizona. They were seen in swimsuits, hugging and holding hands.
She felt that the scandal simply became too much.
"In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts. 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.
"Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now - before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.
"Over a career spanning more than fifteen years in sports journalism - at NBC, ESPN, and The Athletic - I have built a body of work I am proud of. I have broken stories, earned the trust of sources across the league, and been guided by the highest standards of professional conduct. That record speaks for itself.
"I remain grateful to The Athletic and for the extraordinary colleagues with whom I have worked there, for the platform it provided, and for the support you showed me during this difficult time. I wish you nothing but continued success."
Meanwhile, a reporter who criticized Russini for her behavior has been fired. Crissy Froyd, a reporter for USA Today, has been ousted from her position, due to comments made on the scandal.
"I'm sure you were told to submit this or that you'd get fired instead. Don't let the door hit you on the way out. We know who you really are and what you've been up to for years. It does so much detriment to women in sports who have done things the right way," Froyd wrote in response to Russini's resignation letter.
USA TODAY announced her firing a short time later.
Meanwhile, a popular NFL host, Trevor Sikkema, announced that he was ousted as part of the layoffs that hit Pro Football Focus.
"Hello, friends. Like too many others, today was my last day with PFF Working in sports is awesome, but it's who you work with that makes a job a dream job. I had a dream job for the last 5yrs Thank you to anyone and everyone who has supported us throughout the years. Love y'all," he announced.
"I can't say enough good things about the group of people I had the pleasure of working with over the last five years. Some have moved on to other places, but others are becoming available now. Culture changers. If you have the chance to hire them, you won't regret it."
Our thoughts are with everyone seeking new work in 2026.
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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 6:30 PM.