NFL

Dianna Russini has been put on ice ... her employer, The Athletic, is doing a deep dive into the cozy pics of Mike Vrabel and the reporter, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

It's an about-face for the NY Times-owned outlet, which initially vehemently came to the defense of Russini, calling the pics "misleading" and saying they lacked "essential context."

But, sources tell us based on new information, the outlet is conducting a thorough investigation ... and with it, they've decided to shelf Russini as the process plays out.

The situation was described to us like this ... "[Dianna's] coverage is being reviewed. That process is expected to take time. She will not be reporting in the interim."

Browning Nagle, star QB at Louisville and second round NFL Draft pick, has tragically died after a battle with colon cancer. He was 57 years old.

Nagle burst onto the scene as a star at Louisville in 1989 ... throwing 32 touchdowns and 4,653 passing yards in his two seasons as a starter.

In 1991, he was named the MVP of the Fiesta Bowl after leading his Cardinals squad to a victory over Alabama.

Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini are doing their best to put out the massive fire that erupted after they were spotted holding hands recently ... insisting the pictures published on Tuesday don't tell the real story.

Page Six obtained images of the New England Patriots head coach and Athletic NFL reporter -- who are both married to other people -- spending time together at the Ambiente resort in Arizona when they were in town for NFL meetings last month ... showing them lounging by a pool and hugging on a rooftop.

The outlet also cited sources claiming the two were damn near inseparable throughout the day -- enjoying breakfast together before hopping in the hot tub ... and then soaking in the sunset later that night.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve McMichael has been diagnosed with CTE a year after his death, the Concussion and CTE Foundation announced.

McMichael's wife, Misty, said she donated Steve's brain to be studied when his lengthy battle with ALS led to his passing in April 2025.

Misty added there are "too many" former NFL players developing Lou Gehrig's disease after football ... and she hopes more research on the link between ALS and CTE will come following her husband's diagnosis.

Baker Mayfield has a pretty polarizing reputation in the NFL ... but Lavonte David is here to set the record straight on who the quarterback REALLY is -- telling TMZ Sports the former No. 1 overall pick is actually very "humble" and a great guy to be around.

The retired Buccaneers linebacker played with Mayfield when the quarterback joined Tampa in 2023 -- and admitted he initially expected him to match the outside perception of being cocky and kind of a diva at times.

"He's nothing what people say," David said.

The NFL announced Rashee Rice will not be punished after his ex-girlfriend accused him of domestic violence ... stating an investigation into the claims concluded he did not violate the personal conduct policy.

The Kansas City Chiefs star's partner of eight years -- Dacoda Jones -- dropped several disturbing claims on social media back in January ... stating Rice got physical with her and treated her terribly during their relationship, even when she was pregnant with their child.

Jones also shared photos on social media she said backed her story.

Puka Nacua is getting help this offseason -- the Los Angeles Rams superstar checked into rehab to focus on "personal growth" early last month ... weeks before a woman accused him of biting her during a New Year's Eve outing.

Levi McCathern, Nacua's attorney, tells TMZ Sports Puka's currently at a state-of-the-art holistic care facility in Malibu ... and he's using the time to get in tip-top shape personally and professionally ahead of the season.

McCathern said Nacua will be out in "plenty of time" to make it to Rams OTAs in May ... adding, "Puka is also deeply grateful for the support he has received from his family, friends, Coach [Sean] McVay, and his teammates."

It doesn't sound like Puka Nacua's employer is too concerned about his headline-filled offseason -- L.A. Rams head coach Sean McVay just told reporters he hopes the superstar is with the organization for years to come.

McVay met with the media at the NFL's annual league meeting in Arizona on Monday ... and was asked about the recent allegations made against the 24-year-old.

TMZ Sports broke the story -- Nacua is being accused of biting a woman and hurling an antisemitic slur during a night out on New Year's Eve in Los Angeles.

While his attorney, Levi McCathern, said the bite happened during a moment of horseplay, the Rams star adamantly denies saying "f*** all the Jews" at dinner that night.

Joe Burrow is keeping the rumor mill hot … ’cause the Bengals QB was spotted pulling up to a Los Angeles pool party on Sunday with Olivia Ponton right by his side.

Burrow and Ponton now have been spotted together multiple times this month, including at events leading up to the recent Fanatics Flag Football Classic -- keeping her firmly in the picture as his presumed partner.

Burrow kept it chill for the Sunday bash, rocking a “Sad Papi” tee, colorful trunks and sneakers -- staying gridiron ready with a football in one hand as he clutched a tumbler in the other.

Next to him, Ponton brought the poolside vibes in a blue bikini top, capri pants and sandals ... holding a Diet Coke, a towel and a smile as they walked in together.

Derwin James Jr. says it's cool that NFL players have the opportunity to compete in the 2028 Olympics, but he's suggesting they skip the Summer Games, telling TMZ Sports the injury risk in the sport is too high.

That's what the Los Angeles Chargers star told us at LAX this week, after the Fanatics Flag Football Classic went down, where his fellow NFL players competed with the U.S. men's national flag football team and celebrities.

James Jr. -- who didn't participate in the FFC due to injury -- gave kudos to the flag football players, saying their skill set gives them an edge in Olympic competition ... and the active NFL players should consider sitting out the upcoming Games.

"I say the next Olympics," James Jr. said, "give them boys this one 'cause I feel they're more prepared, they're more skilled. I mean, you seen the formations they was running out there, it was crazy!"

Well, that was quick.

10 days after a mansion that once belonged to Antonio Brown hit the open market ... TMZ Sports has learned the pad is now under contract.

Real estate sources tell us there were multiple offers on the house -- listed for just under $4 million -- but someone has swooped in and offered to buy it at full price in cash.

Rams star Puka Nacua is learning the hard way that life in the spotlight moves fast -- and two-time Super Bowl champ Ricky Proehl has some advice.

Proehl -- a 17-year NFL vet and current head coach of the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks -- tells TMZ Sports the biggest challenge for young stars today isn’t just what happens on Sundays … it’s everything that comes with the spotlight the rest of the week.

“Man, it’s a different era,” the former St. Louis Ram said. “With cell phones and everything, you say something, it gets caught, taken out of context … and it’s everywhere.”

The former wideout made it clear the concern isn’t football, because Nacua’s already proving he’s the real deal.

The woman accusing Puka Nacua of using an antisemitic statement and then biting her so hard he left teeth marks has voluntarily withdrawn her application for a temporary restraining order.

Joseph Kar -- the lawyer representing the alleged victim, Madison Atiabi -- announced the news Friday ... writing in a press release that his client dropped the TRO to focus solely on the civil lawsuit, which is still moving forward.

Kar also used the opportunity to bash Nacua's team for making what he called "inflammatory statements" to the press, which he said mischaracterized the facts of the case.

12:00 PM PT -- The Raiders released a statement on Barret Robbins' death on Friday, saying they are heartbroken over his passing.

"He played in 121 career games with 105 starts, all with the Silver and Black," the Raiders said.

"The thoughts and condolences of the entire Raider Nation are with Barret's family and friends during this difficult time."

10:00 AM PT -- Tim Brown tells us Barret had been dealing with health problems for decades ... dating back to a 2005 incident involving police.

Former Raiders All-Pro center Barret Robbins has passed away, according to his teammate Tim Brown, who says he was told the former lineman died in his sleep.

He was 52.

Brown -- who played alongside Robbins from 1998 to 2003 -- revealed the heartbreaking news Thursday night, revealing he got a call from Marissa Robbins, who told him Barrett died overnight.

"Thankfully, he passed peacefully in his sleep," Brown said.

3/26 -- Puka Nacua's attorney, Levi McCathern is teeing off on Joseph Kar, the lawyer for the accuser.

“Kar is a clown. Tried to make a mountain out of a very small mole hill and got caught. He’s trying to make millions off an incident that would of been forgotten by everyone within 48 hours if it didn’t involve a star football player."

"He’s also dumb as a stump. He’s the one that put his clients name out there. It’s in his original filings. He made no attempt to keep her confidential.”

The woman accusing Puka Nacua of biting her and making an antisemitic comment has been on the receiving end of threatening messages after filing a lawsuit and TRO against NFL star ... this according to her attorney, who tells TMZ Sports it's gotten to the point where police are involved.

We spoke with Madison Atiabi's lawyer, Joseph M. Kar, on Thursday ... and he explained how her name going public in court docs has resulted in Puka's supporters going after her.

"Police are investigating," Kar told us, "There have been some unkind statements and threats. She is understandably upset."

Tom Brady, Las Vegas Raiders emergency quarterback?! It's an idea the G.O.A.T. -- minority owner of the team -- actually looked into ... but one he said the NFL didn't like very much!

Brady revealed the news while speaking with CNBC, who, on the heels of TB12 playing in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, asked whether he had looked into the possibility of throwing on pads in a situation where the team was in desperate need.

"I actually have inquired, and they don’t like that idea very much," Brady said.