This fall, Laura Rutledge is set to take on additional responsibilities.
The host of “NFL Live” will now have a permanent position in ESPN’s premier “Monday Night Football” team, participating in sideline reporting alongside Lisa Salters for the entire 2025 season, according to an announcement from the network.
With the extension of its contract, Rutledge and Salters will cover all 20 games, including those featuring Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, alongside ESPN’s Saturday week 18 doubleheaders, wild card games, and division round games.
“‘Monday Night Football’ has always been the pinnacle for me, a dream come true,” Rutledge shared. “Honestly, every time I hear the theme music for ‘MNF’, I get chills. I’m thrilled to keep pushing myself to excel in this role,” she said in an interview.
At 36, Rutledge, who previously held the position of second sideline reporter for the top “MNF” broadcast, expressed her gratitude towards Salters for her guidance and support.
“It’s just an honor to see my name alongside Lisa Salters,” Rutledge mentioned. “She has been an incredible mentor and friend for years.”
This new role will be showcased when the ESPN crew covers the Super Bowl in 2027, as part of their extended contract announced in February.
Rutledge will also continue her weekday hosting duties on “NFL Live” and “SEC Nation” on Saturday mornings.
Katie George and Peter Schlager, both of whom joined ESPN this year, will take on sideline responsibilities for the network’s second “Monday Night Football” crew, working alongside Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky, and Louis Riddick for five games in 2025. This includes two games featuring four “MNF” doubleheaders and the 18th Saturday doubleheader.
