The 2024 NFL Draft is here, and so is Laura Rutledge, who is returning to ESPN’s coverage of the event.
With her returning to the big event, it’s just a minuscule part of her career. Here’s everything there is to know about Rutledge.
Everything to Know About Laura Rutledge
Rutledge became a star well before her sports journalism career took off. Born Oct. 2, 1988, in St. Petersburg, Fla., Rutledge attended the University of Florida, where she majored in broadcast journalism. She was also a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.
Rutledge has since worked for some of the major players in the industry, such as ESPN, SEC Network, and FOX Sports. She joined ESPN and SEC Network as a reporter in 2014 and has since expanded her portfolio.
However, Rutledge began her superstardom in an entirely different arena — beauty pageant competitions. Rutledge began her beauty pageant career in St. Petersburg, Fla. For the talent portion of the competition, Rutledge chose ballet.
She was named “Miss Florida” in 2012, being crowned by Kristina Janolo, the previous winner of “Miss Florida.”
Rutledge began to cut her teeth in sports journalism by covering baseball. Rutledge covered the Tampa Bay Rays and San Diego Padres. She eventually even married professional MLB player Josh Rutledge in 2013.
Checking in from Bama 🤩 @LauraRutledge pic.twitter.com/0yMoAIg6VX
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) September 9, 2023
During her FOX Sports tenure, Rutledge covered a wide range of events. Those include hosting the “CoorsLight Postgame Show” on FOX and the 2012 National Paintball Championship in Lakeland, Fla.
Her rise to prominence didn’t go unnoticed, and soon, ESPN and SEC Network signed Rutledge to cover football on their network.
She made a home for herself in the San Diego area, where she began to cover the local NFL team, the San Diego Chargers. Rutledge became the host for Chargers Insider and SD Live.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Draft Big Board
Rutledge met her husband at an Alabama Crimson Tide tailgate party. Josh was always a big Alabama supporter, including while Laura was there for the game. They then met and began their relationship. They were married soon thereafter and have built a life together.
Once Josh retired from baseball, he began his career as a financial advisor. They have since moved their family to Connecticut, where they purchased a log cabin. The Rutledges have two children: a daughter, Reese Katherine, and a son, Jack Alexander.
How Much Is Rutledge’s Salary?
Rutledge’s annual salary is roughly $400,000. Her current net worth is roughly $1 million. Additionally, her husband had a successful MLB career, making $55 million.
Reese and baby Jack are back for week2! @AlabamaFTBL vs @TexasFootball on deck pic.twitter.com/Q8GYe1uUPT
— Laura Rutledge (@LauraRutledge) September 9, 2023
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