NFL Reporter Crissy Froyd Fired by USA Today Over Dianna Russini Comments

USA Today Sports ended its contractor relationship with NFL reporter Crissy Froyd effective immediately on Thursday, April 16, 2026, one day after she made disparaging comments about fellow NFL insider Dianna Russini on social media.

The decision came after Froyd celebrated Russini’s resignation from The Athletic on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, sharing Russini’s resignation letter on X (formerly Twitter) with the comment: “I’m sure you were told to submit this or that you’d secure fired instead. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”

In her post, Froyd continued: “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.”

Russini had announced her resignation one week after the New York Post published photos showing her with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort. In her statement, Russini said she was stepping aside due to “self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts.”

Following her termination, Froyd spoke to The Daily Caller, doubling down on her criticism of Russini. She told the outlet: “All of us do know what she’s been up to. From fights with other reporters in Chili’s parking lots about hooking up with married NFL coaches to everything else, it is almost certainly all true. It was the worst-kept secret in the NFL reporting world for a even as.”

Froyd added that she had once been offered the chance to be mentored by Russini but declined “because I knew what she was about and her track record.” She also revealed details about a past relationship with former quarterback JT Daniels, stating: “I had a strong relationship with former QB JT Daniels that… did include multiple sexual encounters and there was a lot involved,” noting that the relationship began after Daniels’ football career.

According to her LinkedIn profile referenced in multiple reports, Froyd had been a writer for USA Today Sports since 2017 and worked as a freelance contributor afterward, focusing on quarterbacks and the Atlanta Falcons. She previously wrote for outlets including Fan Nation Network, Sports Illustrated, SB Nation, and Saturday Down South.

Russini’s resignation from The Athletic came amid ongoing scrutiny about her personal life following the publication of the Arizona resort photos. The veteran NFL reporter had worked as a national writer for The Athletic before stepping away from her position.

USA Today Sports stated in its announcement on X: “Her recent statements do not reflect our commitment to professionalism or uphold our principles of ethical conduct.” The network did not elaborate further on the specific nature of Froyd’s violation beyond referencing her social media comments.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions within NFL media circles regarding personal conduct, professional boundaries, and the scrutiny faced by reporters covering the league. Both Froyd and Russini have been prominent voices in NFL reporting for several years, with Froyd known for her coverage of quarterback play and team-specific analysis, particularly regarding the Atlanta Falcons.

As of Friday, April 17, 2026, neither Russini nor Froyd has announced new professional endeavors following their respective departures from The Athletic and USA Today Sports.

What do you think about the situation between these two NFL reporters? Share your thoughts in the comments below.