Laura Rutledge: Salary, Age, Is Married, Bikini, ESPN and Husband

Laura Rutledge has become one of ESPN’s most recognizable football personalities. She has built a long career covering college football and the NFL, while also taking on major hosting and sideline-reporting assignments.
As of 2026, Rutledge hosts NFL Live and works as a full-time Monday Night Football sideline reporter. ESPN also re-signed her to a multi-year contract in 2025.
Here is a closer look at Laura Rutledge’s age, salary, marriage, husband, ESPN career and the recent interest in her swimsuit photos.
Laura Rutledge Age
Laura Rutledge was born on October 2, 1988, in St. Petersburg, Florida. She is 37 years old in 2026. Her birth name is Laura McKeeman.
She attended the University of Florida, where she earned a degree in broadcast journalism. During her college years, she also received the 2011 Red Barber Award for Excellence in Broadcasting.
Rutledge first became widely known outside sports broadcasting after winning the Miss Florida 2012 title. She later competed in the Miss America pageant before continuing her career in sports media.
Laura Rutledge ESPN Career
Rutledge joined ESPN and SEC Network in 2014. Since then, her role has expanded significantly.
She became the host of SEC Nation in 2016 and later became the host of NFL Live in 2020. Her ESPN responsibilities have also included SportsCenter, the NFL Draft, college football, the Masters and other major sporting events.
In 2025, ESPN added Rutledge as a full-time Monday Night Football sideline reporter. She works alongside Lisa Salters as part of ESPN’s NFL coverage.
ESPN announced in February 2025 that it had re-signed Rutledge to a multi-year contract, keeping her with the network into her second decade there.
In 2026, ESPN also highlighted her expanding NFL responsibilities as the network prepares for its Super Bowl LXI coverage in 2027.
Laura Rutledge Salary
Laura Rutledge’s exact ESPN salary is not publicly disclosed by ESPN.
Several third-party reports have estimated her annual salary at approximately $400,000, but that figure should be treated as an estimate rather than a confirmed salary. ESPN’s announcement of her 2025 multi-year contract did not disclose its financial terms.
Her growing responsibilities at ESPN include NFL Live, Monday Night Football and major events such as the NFL Draft and Masters coverage.
Rutledge has also discussed her early ESPN career. A 2026 report described her first ESPN deal as a relatively modest opportunity before her role expanded substantially over the years.
Is Laura Rutledge Married?
Yes. Laura Rutledge is married to Josh Rutledge, a former Major League Baseball infielder.
The couple married in 2013 after meeting in Alabama. Josh played MLB baseball for the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox before moving on from his playing career.
The couple has two children. Their daughter, Reese, was born in October 2019, while their son, Jack, was born in May 2023. ESPN says the family resides in Connecticut.
Who Is Laura Rutledge’s Husband?
Laura Rutledge’s husband is Josh Rutledge, a former professional baseball player.
Josh was born in Alabama and played college baseball for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He eventually reached MLB, making his debut with the Colorado Rockies in 2012. He also played for the Boston Red Sox.
After his baseball career, Josh moved into business and real estate. ESPN identifies him as a retired MLB infielder and says he is a real estate agent and owner of West Alabama Ford.
Laura and Josh have maintained a family life alongside their demanding professional careers. Their relationship has also occasionally been discussed in stories about Laura’s rise at ESPN.
Laura Rutledge Bikini and Swimsuit Photos
Searches for Laura Rutledge bikini and Laura Rutledge swimsuit have increased because of photos shared from her personal life.
In July 2026, The Spun reported that Rutledge shared a black swimsuit photo while spending time with her family at a pool. The report described the image as a summer family photo and noted the reaction from sports fans.
It is worth separating those recent social-media photos from her professional career. Rutledge is primarily known for her work as a sports journalist and broadcaster, including her ESPN football assignments.
Laura Rutledge Height and Background
Rutledge is widely reported to be around 5 feet 10 inches tall, although ESPN’s official biography does not list her height. Some entertainment websites also publish body measurements, but those figures are not officially confirmed.
Her background in broadcasting began before her ESPN career. She previously worked with Fox Sports, CNN and HLN before joining ESPN in 2014.
Her early experience included covering college sports and working as a sports reporter, helping establish the foundation for her later national television career.
Laura Rutledge and Family
Laura and Josh Rutledge have two children:
- Reese Rutledge — born in October 2019
- Jack Rutledge — born in May 2023
ESPN says the family lives in Connecticut.
Balancing family life with a national sports-broadcasting schedule can be demanding, particularly with Rutledge’s NFL assignments during the football season.
What Shows Does Laura Rutledge Host?
Laura Rutledge is best known for several ESPN roles.
Her major current and recent assignments include:
- NFL Live — host
- Monday Night Football — sideline reporter
- NFL Draft — host/reporter
- College Football Playoff — broadcast team
- The Masters — host of Welcome to the Masters
- SEC Nation — former host from 2016-2025
ESPN says she will continue to have a significant role in NFL and college football coverage.
Laura Rutledge Career Timeline
| Year | Career milestone |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Won Miss Florida |
| 2014 | Joined ESPN and SEC Network |
| 2016 | Became host of SEC Nation |
| 2020 | Became host of NFL Live |
| 2024 | Joined ESPN’s Masters coverage |
| 2025 | Became a full-time Monday Night Football sideline reporter |
| 2025 | Signed a new multi-year ESPN contract |
| 2026 | Expanded NFL broadcasting responsibilities |
Conclusion
Laura Rutledge has developed from a regional sports reporter and former Miss Florida into a prominent national sports broadcaster. Her ESPN career now includes NFL Live and a full-time Monday Night Football sideline role.
She is also married to former MLB player Josh Rutledge, and the couple has two children. While her exact ESPN salary has not been publicly confirmed, third-party estimates have placed it around $400,000 annually.
Recent interest in her swimsuit photos has added another search trend around her name, but her primary professional identity remains her work covering the NFL and college football for ESPN.
FAQs
How old is Laura Rutledge?
Laura Rutledge was born October 2, 1988, making her 37 years old in 2026.
Is Laura Rutledge married?
Yes. She has been married to former MLB player Josh Rutledge since 2013.
Who is Laura Rutledge’s husband?
Her husband is Josh Rutledge, a former MLB infielder who played for the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox.
How much does Laura Rutledge make?
Her exact ESPN salary is not publicly confirmed. Several third-party sources estimate her annual salary at around $400,000.
What does Laura Rutledge do at ESPN?
She hosts NFL Live and serves as a full-time Monday Night Football sideline reporter, while also contributing to major NFL and college football events.
Does Laura Rutledge have children?
Yes. Laura and Josh Rutledge have two children, Reese and Jack.
Why is Laura Rutledge trending for bikini photos?
In July 2026, reports highlighted a black swimsuit photo Rutledge shared while enjoying time with her family at a pool.
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