ESPN has retained a cornerstone of its NFL coverage with the network announcing that it has re-signed Laura Rutledge to a multi-year deal.
According to a press release, Rutledge will remain the host of the daily show NFL Live, which she has quarterbacked since 2020. She will also remain a part of the Worldwide Leader’s coverage of high profile NFL and college football games, as well as marquee events including the NFL Draft, the Masters and SEC Kickoff, in addition to continuing her role hosting SEC Nation.
The release also notes that Rutledge will remain “a company ambassador at signature industry events and that “additional responsibilities may be added during the duration of the agreement.”
Contract terms weren’t publicly disclosed.
“Laura is a consummate professional and wonderful teammate,” ESPN president of content Burke Magnus said in a statement. “Her versatility allows us to utilize her in multiple roles, across numerous sports, throughout the year. We are fortunate to have her.”
Added Rutledge: “ESPN has provided me the support and freedom to build my dream career since I arrived eager to learn and grow. I appreciate its continued faith in me and hope they recognize the gratitude and pride I have working for the company. On a personal level, so many colleagues have become mentors and dear friends during my 10 years and I have relationships with them that will always be special, including my NFL Live team who I consider family.”
Congratulations @LauraRutledge!
ESPN re-signs the versatile host & reporter 🏈⛳️
Watch & read more on her extensive portfolio: https://t.co/OJL5EFZWLm pic.twitter.com/nRomj91Aec
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) February 26, 2025
While she has been passed over for more high profile roles hosting Monday NFL Countdown (Scott Van Pelt) and Sunday NFL Countdown (Mike Greenberg) in recent years, Rutledge is clearly a valued member of ESPN’s NFL coverage. Versatile in her ability to seamlessly switch from host to reporter, she drew rave reviews for her coverage of the College Football Playoff semifinal Sugar Bowl in the aftermath of the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans.
Moving forward, it sounds like that while Rutledge’s role will largely remain the same in the immediate future, she’ll have opportunities to grow, as was the case last year when she was added to the network’s coverage of the Masters. It’s also worth noting that ESPN has now locked up one of the key components of NFL Live for the foreseeable future, as Dan Orlovsky prepares to enter free agency.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.