Laura Rutledge is an American sports broadcaster best known as the host of ESPN’s NFL Live and a fixture of SEC Network’s college football coverage. A former Miss Florida 2012, Rutledge parlayed pageant poise into one of the most respected sideline-to-studio careers in sports media, earning a reputation for sharp football knowledge and warm on-air presence.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|—|—|
| Full Name | Laura McKeeman Rutledge |
| Age | 38 (born July 2, 1988) |
| Birthplace | St. Petersburg, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Sports Broadcaster, Host |
| Known For | NFL Live, SEC Network, Miss Florida 2012 |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1–2 million (estimate) |
| Marital Status | Married to Josh Rutledge |
Laura Rutledge Net Worth
Laura Rutledge’s net worth is estimated at $1–2 million as of 2026. Her income comes from her ESPN/SEC Network contracts — hosting NFL Live, one of the network’s flagship studio shows, plus college football coverage — along with endorsements and appearance fees. Sports-media salaries at her level are substantial but not publicly disclosed, so this remains an estimate.
How Laura Rutledge Makes Money
Her ESPN contract is the core of her earnings, covering NFL Live hosting duties and SEC Network assignments including SEC Nation. She also earns from brand partnerships and sponsored content, and from hosting special events. Earlier in her career, local-market reporting and pageant-related appearances supplemented her income.
Early Life and Education
Born Laura McKeeman on July 2, 1988, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Rutledge grew up in a sports-loving family. She attended the University of Florida, graduating with a degree in broadcast journalism. While in college she competed in pageants, winning Miss Florida 2012 and competing in Miss America 2013 — experience she credits with honing her live-broadcast composure.
Career
Rutledge began in local sports reporting before joining ESPN/SEC Network in 2014. She quickly became a sideline reporter for college football and a host of SEC Nation, the network’s traveling pregame show. In 2020 she was named host of NFL Live, ESPN’s long-running weekday NFL studio show, succeeding a line of prominent hosts. She has also covered the College Football Playoff, the NFL Draft, and hosted ESPN’s coverage of major events.
Achievements
- Host of ESPN’s NFL Live (2020–present)
- SEC Network’s SEC Nation host and reporter
- Miss Florida 2012
- Coverage of College Football Playoff and NFL Draft
- One of ESPN’s most prominent female studio hosts
Assets & Lifestyle
Rutledge and her husband live in the Atlanta area, convenient to SEC country and ESPN’s southeastern operations. She maintains an active, family-oriented lifestyle shared with followers on social media. No extravagant asset holdings have been publicly reported.
Personal Life
Rutledge married former MLB infielder Josh Rutledge in 2013. The couple has children and frequently shares family moments publicly. She is known for her close relationship with her parents and for balancing a demanding broadcast schedule with motherhood.
Interesting Facts
- She won Miss Florida 2012 before her broadcasting breakthrough.
- She graduated from the University of Florida’s journalism program.
- Her maiden name is McKeeman.
- She took over NFL Live in 2020.
- Her husband Josh Rutledge played Major League Baseball.
- She has covered both the College Football Playoff and the Super Bowl.
- She is known for her detailed NFL film-study preparation.
- Fans praise her chemistry with NFL Live analysts.
- She started in local TV sports in Florida.
- She has hosted ESPN’s ESPY red-carpet coverage.
- Her pageant talent was vocal performance.
- She is an avid Florida Gators supporter.
- She returned to work quickly after maternity leave, drawing praise.
- She mentors young women entering sports media.
FAQs
What is Laura Rutledge’s net worth?
Estimates place it between $1 million and $2 million from her ESPN career.
How old is Laura Rutledge?
Born July 2, 1988 — she is 38 as of 2026.
What show does Laura Rutledge host?
ESPN’s NFL Live and SEC Network’s SEC Nation.
Was Laura Rutledge Miss Florida?
Yes — she won Miss Florida 2012 and competed at Miss America 2013.
Who is Laura Rutledge’s husband?
Former MLB player Josh Rutledge; they married in 2013.
Where did Laura Rutledge go to college?
The University of Florida, where she studied broadcast journalism.
Does Laura Rutledge have kids?
Yes, she and her husband have children.
What is Laura Rutledge’s maiden name?
McKeeman.
When did Laura Rutledge join ESPN?
She joined ESPN/SEC Network in 2014.
Is Laura Rutledge still on NFL Live?
Yes, she remains the host as of 2026.
Sources & Verification
Career details are drawn from ESPN announcements and sports-media reporting. Net worth is an estimate; ESPN does not disclose talent salaries. See her Wikipedia page for background.
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