Laura Rutledge was a star long before she graced an NFL football field. Rutledge, one of ESPN’s most recognizable reporters from the football field, began her career in a vastly different arena.
Laura Rutledge’s Career
Rutledge did not travel your traditional route to NFL coverage. Rutledge began about as far from the football field as one can.
Rutledge is an American beauty pageant winner who began her career in St. Petersburg, Fla. Rutledge was named Miss Florida in 2012. Rutledge was presented her crown as Miss Florida from the previous pageant winner, Kristina Janolo. For her competition talent, Rutledge chose ballet.
@LauraRutledge is still the best‼️ #HailState pic.twitter.com/0nanKwNVxs
— Jessica Cade (@JessicaCade05) September 16, 2023
Rutledge majored in broadcast journalism at the University of Florida. Rutledge graduated from the university, and during her time on campus, she became a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.
Rutledge began her sports journalism career close to home. Rutledge took a job as a sideline reporter for FOX Sports. Rutledge covered Tampa Bay Ray and San Diego Padre baseball games. While cutting her teeth in baseball, Rutledge took additional gigs covering some of the wildest competitions.
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Rutledge covered the 2012 National Paintball Championship in Lakeland, Fla. In 2014, she began hosting the CoorsLight Postgame Show on FOX College Football. Other media outlets began to take notice of the versatile reporter.
The same year, Rutledge began working with ESPN and the SEC Network. Rutledge made a home for herself in the San Diego area, and her move included her professional life. Rutledge became the host for Chargers Insider, covering the San Diego Chargers. Rutledge is also the producer of SD Live.
Rutledge also hosts NFL Live.
Is Laura Rutledge Married?
Laura Rutledge married Josh Rutledge, a professional baseball player, in 2013. They live in a log cabin in Connecticut that they purchased in 2021.
Just me and the girls ready for some football 🏈 ♥️
Thank you for an amazing day, Tuscaloosa! pic.twitter.com/1k8t3lqMm8— Laura Rutledge (@LauraRutledge) September 9, 2023
Josh retired from baseball and is now a financial advisor. The couple met in Alabama at a tailgate party. Josh is from Alabama, and Laura was there for a game, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Does Laura Rutledge Have Any Children?
Reese and Jack are back to pick @HailStateFB vs @LSUfootball 👀 pic.twitter.com/erK4B3Z2yI
— Laura Rutledge (@LauraRutledge) September 16, 2023
Rutledge has two children, a daughter, Reese Katherine, and a son, Jack Alexander.