Insightful analysis, legendary sense of humor, and the connections to break the biggest stories in the NFL – most broadcasters would love to offer any of those three, but Dianna Russini has them all. It all started with soccer, as a walk-on she quickly became a starter, and just like that her career in sports has never looked back. Known for her ability to provide detailed reports, break news, and provide commentary that can be equal parts insightful and hilarious, Russini now hones her skills at The Athletic as Senior NFL Insider. The Overhead Compartment was uber excited to meet up just as the football season kicks off and talk about sports, life and, of course, her beloved home state of New Jersey.
The Overhead Compartment with Dianna Russini starts now…..
OC: Last year, you took on a new role as Sr. NFL Insider for The Athletic; what attracted you to this position, and what do you enjoy the most about it?
DR: The Athletic has shown over the years that they are committed to being the most dominant sports media outlet, covering every team in the NFL with some of the best storytelling. When they approached me about an opportunity to take on a more significant role as an insider and host of a podcast, I thought it was time in my career to take a risk. My time at ESPN was the most influential 8 years in my sports reporting career, and I loved so many of my colleagues like family. I will never forget when I decided to leave ESPN and start at the Athletic because new was scary! One year later, I am enjoying my role and thrilled to keep breaking stories and sharing information about the league.
OC: You also have a brand new podcast, Scoop City, with Chase Daniel. How do you plan to differentiate your podcast from others in the same space?
DR: There are podcasts everywhere! If you want information, some analysis, and opinions from a man who has been in 7 different quarterback rooms plus listening to two people who are close as friends? This is the podcast. We get along really well, but we also fight too! It keeps the show interesting.
OC: Can you share any guests or topics that you’re particularly looking forward to featuring?
DR: We have had some incredible guests this summer. Andy Reid, Stephen Jones, Saquon Barkley, Justin Jefferson, Kirk Cousins, Josh Allen, and Arthur Smith, to name a few. This season, we want to really mix up the guest list with celebrities, the media, and the game’s fans. We will check in with the fan bases every week, so this podcast will also be an excellent form of therapy for tortured fans! Get ready for a diverse range of topics and guests that will keep you coming back for more.
OC: As one of the top female sports reporters in your field, can you share any challenges you faced and how you navigated them?
DR: As a female sports reporter and insider, building relationships is key to sustained success. Fortunately, the men in the NFL have always treated me equally over the years. I’ve learned this about covering men in this sport, if you do your homework, understand the situation, and can add valuable knowledge, nobody cares about gender.
OC: Do you find women in your field to be supportive of each other? Can you share a story about that?
DR: Cassidy Hubbarth, Jen Lada, Hannah Storm, Sage Steele, Julie Stewart-Binks, Jane Slater, Stacy Dale, Mary-Kay Cabot, Michelle Beadle. I could type probably another 20 women who have been supportive over the years. There is a bad narrative that women in media are hard on one another but I’m lucky to say I haven’t experienced that part of the business.
OC: What advice would you give to aspiring sports reporters who are just starting out?
DR: Be willing to work any job in any city or organization. Experience is key!
OC: Which stadium has the friendliest fans? Which has the unfriendliest?
DR: The friendliest? Buffalo
The unfriendliest? Philly
OC: You have interviewed some of the most famous coaches and players; we need at least one funny story that no one knows.
DR: I recently interviewed David Njoku from the Browns. It was so awkward and peculiar. We both knew how weird the conversation went and laughed about it afterward. Sometimes, these conversations can go off the rails!
OC: You’re the mom of two young boys; how do you manage to balance the demands of your high-profile job with your personal life and raising a family?
DR: It’s the most challenging part of my life. It’s absolutely impossible to do it all. I have help with the boys and a husband, Kevin, who understands this job’s demands. I have some really bad days when the boys are crying and hungry, and a major NFL story breaks. I used to cry about it, but now I laugh! As one mother with small children reminded me once “everything in motherhood is a phase”. I’m just in the INSANITY phase with two under three!
OC: You grew up and currently live in New Jersey. As a true local, what is the biggest misconception about the State?
DR: That it’s filled with Snookies! Snookie is great, and she helped put New Jersey on the map, but my state has some of the best people. They are loyal and loving. When I meet people from NJ in the NFL, we are instantly friends..
OC: How many days per year do you think you are on an airplane?
DR: 20. When I was with ESPN, that number was probably 60
OC: For people who dread packing and airports and the like, can you share any tips to make travel easier?
DR: TSA precheck or Clear. Having a quick way through security has saved my life!
OC: First thing you do when arriving at a hotel?
DR: Take a shower. Airplanes gross me out.
OC: Complete the following sentence: I never leave home without:
DR: I never leave home without my extra phone charger, Mojave Ghost perfume, and lucky diamond studs.
Dianna Russini, please use care upon departure as items may have shifted in The Overhead Compartment during our journey. Thanks for choosing us for your travel tips! Have a wonderful day!
