Unveiling Laura Rutledge: A Comprehensive Look at the Sports Reporter's Career and Personal Journey

By Jason Bolton July 10, 2024 09:19

Photo by Laura Rutledge on Facebook

Laura Rutledge has a decorated career, from her time as a beauty pageant title holder to becoming one of the most respected voices in sports journalism. Now, she is an ESPN/SEC Network Reporter and host. Our expansive feature covers her early years, major career highlights and lowlights, life, and how she bucked the status quo as a trailblazing woman in sports journalism.

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Backstory & Career Path

Laura Rutledge was born Laura McKeeman on 2 October 1988 in St. Petersburg, Florida, and began her rise to fame in the world of sports reporting following being crowned Miss Florida in 2012. Rutledge spent the majority of her early career as a host on multiple shows for Fox Sports, including covering college football games to the National Paintball Championship.

Present Role and Responsibilities

In 2024, Rutledge will be a leading SportsCenter anchor and reporter on ESPN as well as SEC Network. Since June 2020, she has been hosting NFL Live and previously served as the show's moderator for a few months while supporting the network coverage of various NFL games. Her efforts also now include ESPN's coverage of the NFL's Pro Bowl Games and select NFL Draft, further underscoring how wide-ranging her role is in the network's overall presentation around its signature sport. In addition, Rutledge has been a key contributor to ESPN's college football and basketball coverage since 2014, as well as gymnastics in the NCAA and other major meets.

Turning Points, Acknowledgements & Accomplishments

Over the years, Rutledge has had many achievements and was honored for her contribution to sports reporting. She first began her sports journalism career after being crowned Miss Florida in 2012. It was her move from Miss Teen USA to a well-respected sports journalist that illustrated this versatile force who refused to back down from shaping herself into the highest level in her field.

Rutledge graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in broadcast journalism and, in addition to her pageant title, was also awarded the 2011 Red Barber Award for Excellence in Broadcasting. She then served as a host and reporter on premier ESPN shows and SEC Network, capping her meteoric ride in the sports media landscape and establishing herself as one of those notable protagonists.

Reflections on Challenges and Opportunities

Surely, Rutledge must work hard to avoid challenges in the new field of sports journalism, a predominantly male industry. Yet her unflagging perseverance and endless endurance have helped the QUT journalism graduate overcome obstacles to become one of the most highly regarded sports reporters on television.

All in all, that mix of flexibility, tenacity, lightheartedness, and ceaselessness has rendered her one of the most respected hosts/reporters at ESPN/SEC Network. The influence of Rutledge on the industry extends beyond what she has accomplished in her career. It becomes a visual perspective, methodology, and tireless journey through sports journalism.