Laura Rutledge: ESPN Reporter Bio, Age, Husband, Career & More

Laura Rutledge Biography: ESPN Reporter, SEC Nation Host

Laura Rutledge is an accomplished American reporter and host for ESPN and the SEC Network. She gained widespread recognition for her dynamic reporting and hosting skills, especially in sports journalism. Laura is known for her in-depth coverage of college football, basketball, and other sports, making her a prominent figure in the sports broadcasting industry.

Early Life and Education

Laura attended Celebration High School in Celebration, Florida, and later graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in broadcast journalism. During her time at university, she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.

Career

Laura’s career in journalism began after she won the title of Miss Florida in 2012. She initially worked for Fox Sports as a sideline reporter, covering Tampa Bay Rays and San Diego Padres games. In 2014, she joined ESPN and the SEC Network, where she has become a familiar face on shows like SEC Nation and NFL Live.

Achievements

Miss Florida 2012
Host of SEC Nation and NFL Live on ESPN.

Age:

Laura Rutledge was born on October 2, 1988, making her 35 years old as of 2024. Her zodiac sign is Libra. She is of Caucasian ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Parents and Siblings:

Laura Rutledge, born Laura McKeeman, is the daughter of Robert McKeeman and Deborah McKeeman. Her parents have been supportive of Laura’s career from the beginning. They raised Laura in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she developed her passion for sports and journalism. She grew up with two younger brothers, Alex and David McKeeman. Additionally, she has a sister named Alyssa McKeeman.

Robert McKeeman has a background in business, while Deborah McKeeman has been involved in various community activities. They have always encouraged their children to pursue their interests and dreams, which has clearly had a positive impact on Laura’s successful career.

Husband:

Laura married Josh Rutledge, a professional baseball player, in 2013. They have two children: a daughter, Reese Katherine Rutledge, born on October 2, 2019, and a son, Jack Alexander Rutledge, born on May 25, 2023. The family resides in a log cabin in suburban Connecticut.

Josh Rutledge is a former professional baseball infielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox between 2012 and 2017. Born on April 21, 1989, in Birmingham, Alabama, he was a standout player in high school and college before being drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the third round of the 2010 MLB Draft.

During his MLB career, Rutledge played primarily as a shortstop but also covered other infield positions. He had a batting average of .258, hit 20 home runs, and had 111 runs batted in (RBIs) over his career. After retiring from professional baseball, he transitioned to a career as a financial advisor.

Height, Weight:

Laura Rutledge stands at a height of 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and maintains a fit physique. Her weight is approximately 130 lbs (59 kg), and she has a slender build.

Career and Background:

Laura Rutledge started her career in journalism after graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in broadcast journalism. She began working as a sideline reporter and quickly rose through the ranks due to her professionalism and expertise in sports.

Laura joined ESPN and the SEC Network, where she became the host of shows like “SEC Nation” and “NFL Live.” Her career is marked by numerous achievements and accolades, making her one of the most respected sports journalists in the industry.

ESPN

Laura Rutledge joined ESPN’s coverage team for the Masters Tournament in 2024. She hosts “Welcome to the Masters,” a two-hour program that leads into the live coverage of the first two rounds. This show airs on Thursday and Friday, starting at 3 p.m. ET.

For Rutledge, covering the Masters is a dream come true. Growing up in Georgia, she always watched the Masters with her family and considered it a bucket list event. To prepare for her role, she leaned heavily on her ESPN colleagues and immersed herself in golf-related content.

In addition to hosting “Welcome to the Masters,” Rutledge also contributes to SportsCenter segments from Augusta National.

SportsCenter

Laura Rutledge regularly contributes to SportsCenter, ESPN’s flagship news and information program. Her work on SportsCenter includes:

Reporting from Major Events: She provides live reports and updates from significant sporting events, such as the Masters Tournament.
Feature Stories: Rutledge often covers in-depth feature stories, offering insights and behind-the-scenes looks at various sports and athletes.
Analysis and Commentary: She provides expert analysis and commentary on a wide range of sports, leveraging her extensive experience in sports journalism.

Laura Rutledge covers a wide range of sports beyond her primary focus on NFL and college football. She has reported on and hosted coverage for:

College Basketball
Gymnastics
Baseball
Softball
Golf (including events like the Masters Tournament)

She has also been involved in ESPN’s coverage of major events such as the College Football Playoff, NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships, and both the Women’s College World Series and College World Series.

Josh Rutledge had several notable highlights during his MLB career:

MLB Debut: Rutledge made his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies on July 13, 2012, and quickly made an impact by hitting a home run in his first game.
Rookie Season: In his rookie season (2012), he posted impressive stats with a .274 batting average, 8 home runs, and 37 RBIs in just 73 games.
Versatility: Known for his versatility, Rutledge played multiple infield positions, including shortstop, second base, and third base, providing valuable depth to his teams.
Memorable Games: He had several memorable games, including a standout performance on July 22, 2012, where he went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs against the San Diego Padres.
Transition to Boston Red Sox: After his time with the Rockies, Rutledge joined the Boston Red Sox, where he continued to contribute as a reliable infielder.

Net Worth and Salary:

Laura Rutledge has an estimated net worth of $500,000 to $1 million. Her salary as a prominent host and reporter for ESPN and the SEC Network is estimated to be in the range of $400,000 annually, reflecting her experience and contributions to sports journalism.

Is Laura Rutledge Married?

Yes, Laura Rutledge is married to Josh Rutledge, and they have been together since 2013. They are considered one of the power couples in sports, with both having successful careers in their respective fields.

How Old Is Laura Rutledge?

Laura Rutledge is 35 years old, having been born on October 2, 1988.

Where Is Laura Rutledge, or Is She Still Working at ESPN?

Laura Rutledge is still actively working at ESPN. She continues to serve as a host and reporter, primarily focusing on college football and other major sports events. She is a key figure on shows like “SEC Nation” and “NFL Live.”

Laura Rutledge, an ESPN reporter and host, maintains an active social media presence across multiple platforms. Here are some details:

She uses these platforms to share updates on her professional work, behind-the-scenes content, and personal moments, helping her connect with her audience on a more personal level.

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