ESPN has announced a new multi-year contract with NFL Live and SEC Nation host Laura Rutledge. The 36-year-old broadcaster, who joined ESPN in 2014, has held various roles at the network. Under the new agreement, she will continue hosting NFL Live and contributing to coverage of NFL and college football games.
“Laura is a consummate professional and wonderful teammate,” said Burke Magnus, ESPN President of Content. “Her versatility allows us to utilize her in multiple roles across numerous sports throughout the year. We are fortunate to have her.”
Beyond her football responsibilities, Rutledge will also take part in major events such as the NFL Draft, the Masters Tournament, and SEC Kickoff.
“ESPN has given me the support and freedom to build my dream career since I arrived eager to learn and grow,” Rutledge said in a statement. “I appreciate the company’s continued faith in me and hope they know how grateful and proud I am to work here. On a personal level, so many colleagues have become mentors and dear friends. My NFL Live team, especially, feels like family.”
NFL Live has thrived under Rutledge’s leadership over the past five years. She hosts alongside analysts Ryan Clark, Mina Kimes, Dan Orlovsky, and Marcus Spears. The show earned Sports Emmy nominations in 2023 and 2024.
Rutledge made her ESPN NFL debut in 2018 and is a key part of the Monday Night Football broadcast team. As a sideline reporter, she joins the crew on select weeks during the regular season and contributes to ESPN’s Wild Card and Divisional playoff coverage.
A University of Florida graduate, Rutledge holds a degree in broadcast journalism. She received the 2011 Red Barber Award for Excellence in Broadcasting. Before joining ESPN, she worked as a sports anchor for CNN’s New Day and Early Start. She also contributed to HLN’s Morning Express with Robin Meade and worked at Fox Sports.
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