Laura Rutledge: From The Sidelines To The Front Page

Saige Bailey 18 Jun 2025

Who is Laura Rutledge? Laura Rutledge is an American sportscaster and reporter who currently works for ESPN and the SEC Network.

Laura Rutledge was born on October 2, 1988, in St. Petersburg, Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2010 with a degree in broadcast journalism. Rutledge began her career as a sports reporter for the Gainesville Sun newspaper. In 2012, she joined Fox Sports as a sideline reporter for college football and basketball games. In 2014, she joined ESPN as a reporter for the SEC Network. Rutledge has also worked as a host for ESPN's College GameDay.

Rutledge is known for her engaging personality and her ability to connect with viewers. She is also known for her knowledge of sports and her ability to break down complex plays in a way that is easy to understand. Rutledge has won several awards for her work, including the Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Reporter in 2018.

Name	Born	Occupation
Laura Rutledge	October 2, 1988	Sportscaster, reporter

Main Article Topics

Laura Rutledge's Career

Laura Rutledge began her career as a sports reporter for the Gainesville Sun newspaper. In 2012, she joined Fox Sports as a sideline reporter for college football and basketball games. In 2014, she joined ESPN as a reporter for the SEC Network. Rutledge has also worked as a host for ESPN's College GameDay.

Laura Rutledge's Personal Life

Laura Rutledge is married to former NFL quarterback Josh Rutledge. The couple has one child together.

Laura Rutledge's Awards and Accomplishments

Laura Rutledge has won several awards for her work, including the Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Reporter in 2018.

Laura Rutledge's Impact on Sports Broadcasting

Laura Rutledge is a role model for young women who are interested in pursuing a career in sports broadcasting. She is known for her hard work, dedication, and passion for sports.

Laura Rutledge

Laura Rutledge is a prominent sportscaster and reporter known for her engaging personality, knowledge of sports, and ability to connect with viewers. Her career journey, personal life, awards, and impact on sports broadcasting are notable aspects that highlight her contributions to the field.

Career: Fox Sports, ESPN, SEC Network, College GameDay
Personal: Married to Josh Rutledge, one child
Awards: Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Reporter
Impact: Role model for women in sports broadcasting
Education: University of Florida, broadcast journalism
Hometown: St. Petersburg, Florida

Laura Rutledge's career trajectory showcases her dedication and hard work in the sports broadcasting industry. Her ability to break down complex plays and connect with viewers has made her a respected figure in the field. Her personal life and marriage to former NFL quarterback Josh Rutledge add a personal touch to her story. The Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Reporter is a testament to her exceptional talent and contributions to sports broadcasting. Rutledge's impact extends beyond her reporting, as she serves as an inspiration for young women aspiring to pursue careers in sports.

Name	Born	Occupation
Laura Rutledge	October 2, 1988	Sportscaster, reporter

Career

Laura Rutledge's career has been marked by her association with prestigious sports networks and programs, including Fox Sports, ESPN, the SEC Network, and College GameDay. This journey has played a pivotal role in shaping her professional trajectory and establishing her reputation as a respected sportscaster and reporter.

Fox Sports:
Rutledge's tenure at Fox Sports provided her with a solid foundation in sports reporting. She covered college football and basketball games, honing her skills as a sideline reporter and developing her ability to analyze and convey complex plays to viewers.
ESPN:
Joining ESPN in 2014 marked a significant step forward for Rutledge. As a reporter for the SEC Network, she covered the Southeastern Conference, one of the most competitive and well-regarded conferences in college football. Her work on the SEC Network showcased her knowledge of the sport and her ability to connect with fans.
College GameDay:
Rutledge's involvement with College GameDay, ESPN's flagship college football pregame show, further elevated her profile. As a host, she demonstrated her versatility and her ability to engage with a wide audience. Her contributions to College GameDay showcased her charisma, wit, and deep understanding of the sport.

Rutledge's career trajectory serves as an inspiration for aspiring sportscasters and reporters. Her success is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for sports. Her association with Fox Sports, ESPN, the SEC Network, and College GameDay has provided her with a platform to showcase her talents and reach a vast audience.

Personal

Laura Rutledge's personal life is intertwined with her professional career in sports broadcasting. Her marriage to former NFL quarterback Josh Rutledge provides her with a strong support system and a deep understanding of the world of sports. The couple's shared interest in sports has created a harmonious and fulfilling personal life for Rutledge, contributing to her overall well-being and success.

Having a child has also brought new dimensions to Rutledge's life. It has taught her the importance of time management and the ability to balance her demanding career with her family responsibilities. Rutledge has often spoken about the challenges and joys of motherhood, sharing her experiences with viewers and fans. Her ability to navigate the dual roles of sportscaster and mother has inspired many women who are pursuing careers in male-dominated fields.

Rutledge's personal life is an integral part of her identity and has a positive impact on her professional endeavors. It provides her with a sense of balance and fulfillment, which translates into her work as a sportscaster and reporter. Her marriage to Josh Rutledge and her role as a mother have shaped her perspective and made her a more well-rounded individual.

Awards

Recognizing Laura Rutledge's exceptional talent and contributions to sports broadcasting, the Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Reporter serves as a testament to her remarkable achievements in the field.

Recognition of Excellence:
The Emmy Award is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious accolades in the television industry, and Rutledge's receipt of this award is a clear indication of her exceptional skills as a sportscaster and reporter. It signifies her ability to deliver insightful analysis, engage with viewers, and convey complex sports concepts in a clear and compelling manner.
Dedication and Hard Work:
Rutledge's Emmy Award is a reflection of her dedication and hard work in the field of sports broadcasting. It represents countless hours of preparation, research, and practice behind the scenes. Her unwavering commitment to her craft has enabled her to consistently deliver high-quality sports reporting and analysis.
Inspiration for Women:
As a woman working in a male-dominated field, Rutledge's Emmy Award serves as an inspiration to young women who aspire to pursue careers in sports broadcasting. Her success demonstrates that women can achieve great heights in the industry with talent, determination, and perseverance.

Laura Rutledge's Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Reporter is a testament to her exceptional talent, dedication, and impact on the field of sports broadcasting. It is a well-deserved recognition of her contributions to the industry and an inspiration to aspiring sportscasters and reporters alike.

Impact

Laura Rutledge's journey as a sportscaster and reporter has had a profound impact on women in sports broadcasting. Her success in a male-dominated field has inspired many young women to pursue careers in the industry.

Breaking Barriers:
Rutledge's presence as a successful female sportscaster has broken down barriers and challenged stereotypes. She has demonstrated that women are just as capable as men in providing expert analysis and commentary on sports.
Empowering Young Women:
Rutledge's visibility and accomplishments have empowered young women to believe in their own abilities. She has shown them that it is possible to succeed in a field that was once considered off-limits to women.
Mentorship and Support:
Rutledge is actively involved in mentoring and supporting young women who are interested in pursuing careers in sports broadcasting. She shares her experiences and provides guidance, helping them navigate the challenges and obstacles they may face.

Laura Rutledge's impact extends beyond her own career. She is a role model for women in sports broadcasting, inspiring them to break down barriers and pursue their dreams. Her mentorship and support have helped to create a more inclusive and diverse industry.

Education

Laura Rutledge's educational background at the University of Florida has played a significant role in shaping her career as a sportscaster and reporter. Her pursuit of a degree in broadcast journalism provided her with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the field.

Foundation in Journalism:
Rutledge's academic training at the University of Florida gave her a solid foundation in journalistic principles and practices. She learned the importance of accuracy, objectivity, and ethical reporting, which are essential qualities for any sportscaster or reporter.
Broadcast Skills Development:
The broadcast journalism program at the University of Florida provided Rutledge with hands-on experience in various aspects of broadcasting, including scriptwriting, camera operation, and editing. These skills have been invaluable in her work as a sportscaster, enabling her to effectively communicate and engage with viewers.
Networking and Connections:
Rutledge's time at the University of Florida also allowed her to build valuable connections with industry professionals. Through internships and involvement in student media organizations, she gained practical experience and established relationships that have supported her career growth.

Overall, Laura Rutledge's education at the University of Florida has been instrumental in her success as a sportscaster and reporter. It provided her with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to navigate the competitive world of sports broadcasting.

Hometown

Laura Rutledge's hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida, has played a significant role in shaping her personal and professional life.

Early Influences:
Growing up in St. Petersburg, Rutledge was surrounded by a vibrant sports culture. The city is home to the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team, which fostered her passion for sports from a young age.
Education and Development:
St. Petersburg provided Rutledge with access to quality education, including her alma mater, the University of Florida. The city's educational institutions helped her develop her skills in journalism and broadcasting, laying the foundation for her future career.
Community Support:
Rutledge has often expressed her gratitude for the support she received from her hometown community. St. Petersburg residents have been ardent followers of her career, cheering her on every step of the way.

Laura Rutledge's hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida, has been an important part of her journey as a sportscaster and reporter. It has influenced her passion for sports, provided her with educational opportunities, and given her a strong support system.

FAQs about Laura Rutledge

This section addresses frequently asked questions about Laura Rutledge, providing concise and informative answers.

Question 1: What is Laura Rutledge's educational background?

Answer: Rutledge earned a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Florida, which provided her with a solid foundation in journalistic principles and broadcasting skills.

Question 2: How did Rutledge's hometown influence her career?

Answer: Growing up in St. Petersburg, Florida, Rutledge was immersed in a sports-centric culture, which fostered her passion for sports and provided her with opportunities to develop her skills.

These FAQs shed light on Laura Rutledge's educational background and the influence of her hometown on her career, providing a deeper understanding of her journey as a sportscaster and reporter.

Conclusion

Laura Rutledge's journey as a sportscaster and reporter is a testament to her talent, dedication, and passion for sports. Her ability to connect with viewers, break down complex plays, and inspire young women has made her one of the most respected figures in the industry.

Rutledge's success is a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. She has broken down barriers and challenged stereotypes, proving that women can achieve great heights in sports broadcasting. Her story is an inspiration to aspiring sportscasters and reporters, and her impact on the industry will continue to be felt for years to come.

Laura Rutledge ESPN Press Room U.S.

Laura Rutledge Style, Clothes, Outfits and Fashion • CelebMafia

ESPN host Laura Rutledge shares why she just covered the NFL Draft

Most Viewed Stories