From Miss Florida to MNF: ESPN's Laura Rutledge Lands Dream Promotion!

ESPNews Scoop: Laura Rutledge's Epic Career Leap - From Host to Sidelines

The ultimate Cinderella story is unfolding at ESPN, and we've got the scoop! Laura Rutledge, the charismatic host of the network's daily pro football show 'NFL Live', is about to add a whole new level of excitement to her already impressive resume. As we speak, she's gearing up to make the jump from studio to sidelines as a regular contributor to ESPN's flagship 'Monday Night Football' (MNF) broadcasts.

The 36-year-old beauty queen-turned-broadcasting-sensation will be joining forces with none other than the incredible Lisa Salters for all 20 games this season, including some of the biggest matchups of the year. The dynamic duo will work alongside the unbeatable team of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, leaving no doubt that they're about to create some unforgettable moments on and off the field.

So, what's behind Rutledge's sudden move from studio to sidelines? We got an exclusive glimpse into her thoughts on this incredible career leap. According to a recent interview with The Athletic, Rutledge confessed: "Monday Night Football' is the pinnacle, and it's always been a dream of mine... I still get chills every time I hear the 'MNF' music. Really excited to continue to work as hard as possible to earn this role."

It's no secret that Rutledge has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to hone her skills and make this career shift happen. And, in typical Laura style, she's giving credit where credit is due - specifically to her long-time mentor and friend, Lisa Salters! In a heartfelt 2024 ESPN Front Row profile, Rutledge expressed her deepest admiration for Salters: "To even see my name next to Lisa Salters, is an honor... For years now, she has been such a wonderful mentor and friend to me."

Rutledge's dedication to the craft is undeniable. With this new role comes the added responsibility of being on the sidelines for some of the biggest games of the season - including 17 MNF matchups, one Week 18 double-header game, a wild-card showdown, and even a divisional-round battle! And, as we mentioned earlier, Rutledge will still be hosting her popular show 'NFL Live' alongside other esteemed programs, like 'SEC Nation', where she shines bright on Saturday mornings prior to each week's college football extravaganza.

But wait, there's more! This incredible news comes hot on the heels of ESPN securing the rights to broadcast their very first Super Bowl - and guess who will be right in the thick of it? You guessed it - Laura Rutledge! With her hard work and dedication, she's set to make history as part of the team that brings the action-packed spectacle to viewers worldwide from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California in 2027. Mark our words: this is just the beginning of an incredible journey for the talented Rutledge.

The writing is on the wall - Laura Rutledge is about to shine brighter than ever before! Will she be able to balance her multiple roles with ease? Stay tuned to find out as we follow this captivating story unfold. One thing's for sure: with Laura at the helm, it's going to be a wild and unforgettable ride!