Laura Rutledge’s Busy Football Season
During the football season, Laura Rutledge’s agenda is anything but calm. Since joining ESPN in 2014, the reporter has taken on multiple roles, including hosting the weekday sports show “NFL Live” and Saturday’s “SEC Nation”, a staple during college football season. This year, Rutledge stepped up her game, committing full-time to the sideline reporting role for “Monday Night Football”.
Expanding Responsibilities
Previously, Rutledge had experience with sideline reporting in the NFL, but starting in 2025, ESPN plans to have dual reporters at every game, prompting her expanded role. She adeptly pivots between her duties, often transitioning from hosting the live show to reporting on the sidelines in just a matter of minutes. Her enthusiasm and knowledge of both college football and the NFL have established her as a prominent figure in ESPN’s football coverage.
Learning from Experience
Joined by veteran sideline reporter Lisa Salters, who has been part of the “Monday Night Football” team since 2012, Rutledge expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to learn from someone with such extensive experience.
“Lisa is amazing,”
she remarked in a recent interview with The Associated Press.
“I love her perspective on things,”
emphasizing the privilege it is to work alongside her.
Weekly Routine
Rutledge’s demanding week typically involves hosting “NFL Live” from various game locations on Mondays while simultaneously managing sideline reports. After that, she returns to ESPN’s studios in Bristol, Connecticut, to anchor mid-week shows, then travels again to host “SEC Nation” on Saturdays.
Recognition and Praise
Her extensive involvement in college football includes sideline duties for major events like the College Football Playoff games, and her versatility has not gone unnoticed. Mark Gross, ESPN’s senior vice president of production, praised Rutledge for enhancing the quality of broadcasts with her sharp reporting skills and infectious energy.
Adapting to Challenges
Rutledge was approached by ESPN in the spring about taking on the full “Monday Night Football” schedule. Preparing for increased responsibilities, she reflected on how her workload exceeded her initial expectations.
“It was sort of like this revolving-door cycle throughout each week,”
she noted, yet acknowledged how fortunate she felt to be a part of such events.
Quick Thinking in Action
Her capacity to adapt quickly in the fast-paced environment of sports reporting has been demonstrated on several occasions. For instance, during the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day, she dashed back and forth between segments, thrilling viewers and catching the attention of commentator Chris Berman, who eagerly highlighted her effort.
Postgame Interviews
Rutledge is also no stranger to the urgency of postgame interviews, particularly when time constraints make it necessary to act fast. After the Los Angeles Chargers narrowly defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime, she skillfully approached quarterback Justin Herbert for commentary, despite the chaotic atmosphere.
“I never want the player to feel unprepared,”
she explained about her approach, ensuring both she and Herbert could perform their roles effectively under pressure.
In contrast, after a more leisurely Seahawks victory over the 49ers, Rutledge encouraged quarterback Sam Darnold to first connect with his teammates before conducting his postgame interview, showing her understanding of the dynamics at play in such situations.
“They deserve better than that,”
she stated, responding to any criticisms regarding perceived avoidance.
Passion for Coverage
As Rutledge navigates this busy season filled with responsibilities and challenges, she remains passionate about the role she plays in covering the games that fans love.
