Laura Rutledge wants to do more with her career than just present NFL Live.
The 35-year-old is not simply focused on football ambitions, despite being one of the most well-known ESPN personalities at the moment. She co-hosts SEC Nation on the SEC Network and the daily NFL Live broadcast.
In a one-on-one interview, Rutledge states, “I got my first opportunity to cover the Masters — the Masters is obviously a special entity — that is kind of a bucket list item for so many.” “I absolutely adore the concept of covering various sports, and incorporating the Masters into my year-round activities has been extremely meaningful.”
In addition to describing her history in music and cuisine, Rutledge says she would be open to entering the entertainment industry. Erin Andrews of Fox Sports, who started her career as a sideline reporter and is now the host of Dancing With the Stars, is comparable to Rutledge in this regard.
Rutledge beams broadly and says, “If entertainment is in my future, I would love to get into that.” “I come from an entertainment background; ballet, dancing, the arts, and music are more like it. It always makes me laugh when people who knew me in high school or college ask me, “Wait, why did not you do this?” I would not have observed you acting in this manner. Anything in the lifestyle sector appeals to me; I also enjoy cooking, so perhaps there is promise there.
Rutledge has been the host of SEC Nation since 2017 and NFL Live since the 2020 season. The Petersburg,The native of Florida originally gained notoriety while covering the Tampa Bay Rays, her hometown team, for regional broadcasts as a sideline reporter. She was a sideline reporter for the San Diego Padres as well.
Rutledge describes in detail the primary distinction between the duties of a sideline reporter and a daily program host, despite the fact that her current position involves hosting two of the more well-known shows on the networks owned by ESPN. NFL Live, for instance, airs Monday through Friday.
According to Rutledge, “sideline reporting is a little more specific to the two teams and knowing the two deeps at both sides.” I am discovering a ton of tales that most likely will not be included in the game. In actuality, you are preparing for occasional 15-second reports and attempting to communicate as effectively and swiftly as you can. A large portion of the planning is focused on identifying the backup quarterback. Who is the second fiddle? In the unlikely event that the quarterback is hurt, I need to be prepared for any backup quarterback who might enter the game.
Hosting a studio program involves a variety of duties, including the “continuous digestion of information” and the daily grind of getting ready for the next day. Rutledge claims that from August until January/February, when the NFL and college football seasons begin, she frequently works seven days a week. Sunday, her day off from hosting, is typically spent on work-related tasks.
“In regards to studio productions, the focus is primarily on the big picture, but we also strive to incorporate distinctive perspectives and attention to detail that set our show apart from others that week,” says Rutledge. It is merely the ongoing assimilation of information for me. Every time, I say to myself, “Okay, let me just check in on this podcast.” I think it is more along the lines of studio lines and NFL Live, just coming up with creative ways to phrase things and intriguing ways to ask questions. Every day I prepare for the one after it. There is a slight cyclical element to that show.
Rutledge highlights several intriguing narratives that are building up to the NFL season, such as Aaron Rodgers’ anticipated return from an Achilles injury, the strength of the rookie quarterback class, and the possibility that the Chicago Bears will turn out to be the season’s biggest surprise. But when asked about “America’s Team,” she makes sure to share her opinions on CeeDee Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys.
For Rutledge, “the fact that they still have not completed the CeeDee Lamb deal is absurd.” It just appears so simple, so I do not comprehend it. They are aware of what must be done. They are aware of the amount they must pay him, and without CeeDee, that offense is completely inoperable. He is crucial to all they plan to do.
They will complete the agreement before the season begins, but it is ridiculous that it has not been finished yet.
She talks about how Dak Prescott, another outstanding player for the Cowboys who is in a contract dispute, will have all the “leverage” in the world. The Cowboys have been unable to add high-profile free agents due to the impending contracts of Lamb, Prescott, and Micah Parsons.
Rutledge queries, “How do you build a team behind that with enough debt to be competitive?” It is going to be an interesting year. I do not believe the Dak contract was finalized prior to this season. He already possesses absolute power.
Cowboys fans will not be happy if they do not make it to the postseason or do not win, but it will make for excellent sports conversation. They are deficient in a few really obvious areas.
Speaking on behalf of her collaboration with The Honey Baked Ham Company is Rutledge. With the intention of catering to tailgate enthusiasts at football games, HoneyBaked recently introduced a product line that includes pre-packaged sandwiches, sliders, and classic bone-in ham. The ESPN host explains her partnership with HoneyBaked, as well as how and why she will be sharing the various products and recipes on social media during the season.
Rutledge explains, “We had a great time last year, and it means a lot to me to be able to work with this company because it values football, family, and delicious food, which is my favorite part of it all.” “I recently shared this clip on social media, so you can see every product we test out in detail. This football season, we are going to share the opportunity to create the ideal game day spread with everyone.
The self-described foodie shares her go-to tailgate meals, which include Cuban sliders with pulled pork.
Rutledge states, “A good slider is something I love.” Here’s where HoneyBaked really excels. These slider units are
There is the Cuban pulled pork and the famous HoneyBaked Ham topped with pickles and Swiss cheese. The secret, in my opinion, is that they contain this incredible garlic and herb butter that you can just pour on top of them after reheating them in the oven. There is no wrong choice when it comes to the turkey and cheddar. I typically strive to have each of those three. Because they have a good combination of flavors, I will merely take a mouthful of one, then a bite of the next, and so on.
