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

Laura Rutledge Biography: ESPN Reporter, SEC Nation Host & NFL Live Anchor

Laura Rutledge (née McKeeman) is a prominent American sports reporter and host for ESPN and the SEC Network.

She has built a distinguished career in sports broadcasting, known for her versatile roles and insightful coverage.

Early Life and Education:

A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, Rutledge attended Celebration High School. She is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she majored in broadcast journalism and was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.

During her time at Florida, she was awarded the 2011 Red Barber Award for Excellence in Broadcasting. Prior to her career in sports journalism, Rutledge was also a beauty pageant titleholder, named Miss Florida in 2012.

Career in Sports Journalism:

Rutledge began her career in sports broadcasting with Fox Sports, working as a sideline reporter for Tampa Bay Rays and San Diego Padres games, as well as Fox College Sports.

She also hosted “Chargers Insider” for the San Diego Chargers and produced/hosted “SDLive” for Fox Sports San Diego.

In the summer of 2014, Rutledge joined ESPN and the SEC Network, marking a significant step in her career. Since then, her roles have expanded considerably:

• SEC Nation Host: In May 2017, she was named the host of “SEC Nation,” the SEC Network’s college football pre-game show, a role she has held for many seasons, becoming a familiar face for SEC fans.

• NFL Live Host: On August 17, 2020, Rutledge became the host of ESPN’s premier NFL news and information show, “NFL Live.” This role further cemented her standing in national sports media.

• Versatile Reporter and Host: Beyond these primary roles, Rutledge contributes significantly to ESPN’s coverage of various major sports events, including the NFL Draft, the Masters golf tournament, college football playoff games, and other college sports like basketball, gymnastics, baseball, and softball. She has also served as a sideline reporter for numerous NFL and college football games.

Philanthropy & Recognition

• Ambassador for Miracle League, an organization supporting children with disabilities.
• Recognized for her excellence in broadcasting with the Red Barber Award at the University of Florida.

Age:

Laura Rutledge was born on October 2, 1988, making her 36 years old as of 2025. 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.

Laura Rutledge works alongside several notable ESPN personalities, particularly on NFL Live and SEC Nation. Some of her key colleagues include:

• Dan Orlovsky – Former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst, frequently appearing on NFL Live.

• Ryan Clark – Former NFL safety and ESPN commentator, known for his insightful analysis.

• Marcus Spears – Former NFL defensive lineman and ESPN analyst, contributing to NFL Live.

• Field Yates – ESPN insider and reporter, specializing in NFL coverage.

• Ashley Colley – ESPN producer, who has praised Rutledge’s mentorship and support.

• Burke Magnus – ESPN President of Content, who has spoken highly of Rutledge’s contributions.

Laura Rutledge has been known for her polished and stylish looks, often sporting long, voluminous hair on-air.

While there’s no official confirmation that she wears hair extensions, fans have speculated about her glamorous hairstyles, especially during major events like NFL Free Agency Kickoff.

Recently, she debuted a chic blonde hairstyle, which drew attention from fans and media alike.

Whether she uses extensions or simply styles her natural hair expertly, her look remains a standout in sports broadcasting.

Net Worth and Salary:

Laura Rutledge has built a successful career in sports journalism, and her financial standing reflects her achievements.

As of 2025, her estimated net worth is around $1 million, with an annual salary of approximately $400,000. Her husband, Josh Rutledge, a former MLB player, earned $55 million during his baseball career.

Rutledge’s earnings come from her roles as a host and reporter for ESPN and the SEC Network, covering major events like NFL Live, SEC Nation, and the NFL Draft.

Her growing influence in sports media suggests her financial status may continue to rise.

Is Laura Rutledge Married?

Yes, Laura Rutledge is married to Josh Rutledge, a former professional baseball player. They met at a football tailgate in 2011 and married in 2013.

The couple has two children: a daughter, Reese Katherine (born October 2, 2019), and a son, Jack Alexander (born May 25, 2023).

She has publicly shared about experiencing a miscarriage in 2021 before the birth of her son. The family resides in Connecticut.

How much does Laura Rutledge make?

Laura Rutledge’s annual salary is estimated to be around $400,000, primarily from her work as a host and reporter for ESPN and the SEC Network.

Her net worth is estimated at approximately $1 million, reflecting her successful career in sports journalism and television hosting.

Does Laura Rutledge have any kids?

Yes, Laura Rutledge and her husband, Josh Rutledge (former MLB player), have two children:

• Reese Katherine Rutledge (born 2019)
• Jack Alexander Rutledge (born 2023)

What happened to Laura Rutledge?

Laura Rutledge continues to be an influential sports broadcaster, hosting NFL Live and SEC Nation.

She has expanded her role at ESPN, covering major sporting events, including college football, the NFL Draft, and the Masters Tournament.

There are no reports of significant career disruptions or health concerns—she remains active and successful in the industry.

How Old Is Laura Rutledge?

Laura Rutledge is 36 years old, having been born on October 2, 1988.

Where Is Laura Rutledge Working?

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:

• Twitter:
• Instagram:
• Facebook:

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.