ESPN host Laura Rutledge recently opened up about the important role her husband, Josh Rutledge, plays in their family as she balances a demanding broadcasting career with motherhood. During an October 2026 interview, the NFL Live presenter praised Josh for managing their household and caring for their two children while she travels for major football assignments. Her comments offered a personal glimpse into the couple’s marriage and the sacrifices behind her growing television career.
Laura Rutledge has been married to Josh Rutledge, a former Major League Baseball infielder, since December 2013. The couple met at a college football tailgate in 2011 and have since welcomed two children, daughter Reese and son Jack. Although Laura has become one of ESPN’s most recognizable sports broadcasters, Josh has established a successful professional life beyond baseball.
Who Is Laura Rutledge’s Husband Josh Rutledge?
Josh Rutledge is a former American professional baseball player who competed in Major League Baseball for the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox.
Born on April 21, 1989, in Birmingham, Alabama, Josh developed an interest in baseball during childhood. He attended Cullman High School before continuing his athletic career at the University of Alabama.
At Alabama, he became a standout college baseball player and attracted attention from professional scouts.
The Colorado Rockies selected him in the third round of the 2010 MLB Draft. He eventually made his major league debut in July 2012.
Josh played primarily as an infielder, appearing at shortstop, second base and third base during his professional career.
Following his retirement from baseball, he pursued opportunities in finance, real estate and business ownership.
How Did Laura Rutledge Meet Josh Rutledge?
Laura and Josh Rutledge first met in November 2011 at a college football tailgate before a game between Alabama and Louisiana State University.
At the time, Laura was developing her career in sports broadcasting, while Josh was pursuing professional baseball.
Although Laura had attended the University of Florida, she happened to be at an Alabama football event when she met Josh.
Their introduction developed into a romantic relationship, and the couple discovered they shared an enthusiasm for sports.
Their professional backgrounds also helped them understand the demands of careers involving travel, competition and unpredictable schedules.
After approximately two years together, they decided to marry.
The couple has occasionally reflected on their first meeting, describing it as an unexpected encounter that changed their personal lives.
When Did Laura Rutledge and Josh Rutledge Get Married?
Laura Rutledge and Josh Rutledge married in December 2013.
Their wedding took place during a period when Josh was establishing himself in Major League Baseball and Laura was expanding her broadcasting opportunities.
The couple subsequently experienced several major professional and personal milestones together.
Josh continued playing professional baseball, while Laura joined ESPN in 2014 and gradually became a prominent figure in college football coverage.
In December 2023, Laura celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary by sharing a message expressing gratitude for their relationship and family.
She reflected on their experiences together, including welcoming two children and supporting each other through career changes.
As of November 2026, the couple has been married for nearly 13 years.
Does Laura Rutledge Have Children With Josh Rutledge?
Laura and Josh Rutledge have two children, a daughter named Reese and a son named Jack.
Their eldest child, Reese, was born in October 2019. She is now seven years old.
The couple welcomed their second child, Jack Alexander Rutledge, on May 25, 2023.
Jack was born weighing 7 pounds and 6 ounces, and his arrival was particularly meaningful for the family.
Laura previously revealed that she experienced a miscarriage in 2021, making the birth of their second child an emotional milestone.
The name Alexander honors Laura’s late brother, Alex. She also explained that Jack’s initials match those of his father.
In December 2023, Jack experienced a serious medical emergency that required hospital treatment. Laura later shared that doctors expected him to recover fully.
The couple has occasionally included their children in family photographs and social media posts, although they remain protective of their private lives.
Josh Rutledge’s Major League Baseball Career
Josh Rutledge began his professional baseball career after being drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2010.
He made his MLB debut on July 13, 2012, and quickly became part of Colorado’s infield rotation.
During his rookie season, he demonstrated offensive potential while adjusting to major league pitching.
Josh remained with the Rockies through the 2014 season before being traded to the Los Angeles Angels.
He spent part of the 2015 season with the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate before being traded to the Boston Red Sox.
With Boston, he continued contributing as a utility infielder.
He later joined the San Francisco Giants organization on a minor league contract but did not return to the major leagues.
Josh retired from professional baseball after the 2018 season.
His experience as a professional athlete has remained an important part of his identity, even after transitioning into business.
What Does Laura Rutledge’s Husband Do Now?
Following his retirement from baseball, Josh Rutledge began developing a career outside professional sports.
He worked as a financial advisor at Wells Fargo between 2019 and 2022.
In 2022, he entered the real estate industry, becoming an agent with Coldwell Banker in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
His work involved helping clients purchase and sell residential properties.
Josh also expanded his business interests into the automobile industry.
He became an owner of West Alabama Ford in Sulligent, Alabama, and West Alabama Ford of Fayette.
His business activities have allowed him to establish a career independent of his previous success in baseball.
Although he maintains professional responsibilities, he also spends considerable time supporting his wife and children.
Laura Rutledge Praises Her Husband’s Support
In October 2026, Laura Rutledge publicly praised Josh for his contribution to their family.
The ESPN presenter described her husband as a major source of support, explaining that he handles numerous household responsibilities while she works.
Laura acknowledged that her broadcasting schedule often requires traveling across the country for NFL games and television assignments.
Josh helps manage the children’s routines, family schedules and other daily responsibilities.
She emphasized that his work behind the scenes makes it possible for her to pursue demanding professional opportunities.
Her comments reflected the couple’s approach to balancing two careers with raising young children.
Earlier in 2026, Laura also discussed her initial fears about becoming a mother while working in sports television.
She admitted that she once worried pregnancy could negatively affect her broadcasting career.
However, she later realized that motherhood and professional success could coexist, even though maintaining that balance remains challenging.
Laura Rutledge’s Career at ESPN
Laura Rutledge has established herself as one of ESPN’s prominent football broadcasters.
She joined the network in 2014 and became known for her coverage of college football, particularly through SEC Network programming.
She served as the host of SEC Nation for several years before taking on expanded NFL responsibilities.
In June 2020, she became the host of NFL Live, working alongside former players and football analysts.
Her role continued growing, and she became a full-time Monday Night Football sideline reporter ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
Her responsibilities involve interviewing players, reporting from stadiums and providing updates during nationally televised games.
The demanding schedule frequently requires travel, making family support particularly important.
Josh’s experience as a former professional athlete also gives him an understanding of the pressures associated with major sporting events.
Laura and Josh Rutledge’s Marriage Today
Laura and Josh Rutledge continue raising their two children while pursuing their respective professional careers.
The family lives in Connecticut, allowing Laura access to ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol.
Josh remains involved in business ownership and family responsibilities, while Laura continues hosting NFL Live and reporting from NFL games.
Their marriage has lasted more than a decade, with both partners supporting each other through significant career transitions.
Laura’s recent comments have highlighted how much she values Josh’s contribution to their family.
Although she is the more publicly recognizable figure, Josh plays an important role in maintaining stability at home.
Their relationship reflects a partnership shaped by shared sporting interests, parenting responsibilities and mutual professional support.