You’ve seen her on NFL Live and the SEC Network, handling high-stakes broadcasts with an effortless sort of energy. But behind the scenes of her grueling travel schedule, people often wonder about the guy standing next to her in those rare, candid Instagram posts. Honestly, the answer to who is laura rutledge married to is a name that sports fans—especially baseball junkies—will recognize immediately: Josh Rutledge.
He isn't just "the husband." He was a legitimate Major League Baseball infielder who spent years grinding through the Big Leagues before pivoting to a second act in real estate and business. Their relationship is basically the ultimate crossover event between the diamond and the gridiron.
The Random Tailgate That Started Everything
Most celebrity couples meet through agents or high-end parties. Not these two. Their origin story is remarkably normal, which is kinda refreshing if you think about it. Back in 2011, Laura—then Laura McKeeman—was at a football tailgate at the University of Alabama. She literally just walked up to a random tent.
Josh was there. He had already been a star for the Crimson Tide baseball team and was working his way through the minors at the time. They hit it off immediately. In 2016, they actually went back to that exact same spot to celebrate their anniversary, finding the same tent where they first crossed paths. It’s the kind of full-circle moment that feels like a script, but it’s just their real life.
💡 You might also like: Dale Mercer Net Worth: Why the RHONY Star is Richer Than You Think
After dating for a couple of years, they made it official. They got married on December 7, 2013. Fun fact: they actually took their engagement photos at Coors Field in Denver. At the time, Josh was playing for the Colorado Rockies, so it made sense to use his "office" as the backdrop for their shoot.
Who Exactly Is Josh Rutledge?
If you aren't a die-hard MLB fan, here is the quick rundown. Josh was a stud at Alabama, leading the SEC in hits during his freshman year. He got drafted in the third round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the Rockies.
He made his big league debut in 2012 and carved out a solid career as a utility infielder. Over about six seasons, he played for:
📖 Related: Jaden Newman Leaked OnlyFans: What Most People Get Wrong
- The Colorado Rockies (2012–2014)
- The Boston Red Sox (2015–2017)
- Stints with the Angels and Giants organizations
Injuries eventually slowed him down. He dealt with a nasty concussion and hip issues that forced him to walk away from the game earlier than he probably wanted. He officially retired in 2018. Since then, he’s swapped the jersey for a suit. He’s currently a realtor with Coldwell Banker in Connecticut—which is where the family lives to be near the ESPN studios—and he co-owns a Ford dealership back in Alabama.
Life in a "Log Cabin" and a Growing Family
The Rutledges don't live the typical flashy lifestyle you'd expect from a major TV personality and a former pro athlete. In 2021, they bought a log-style home in suburban Connecticut for about $1.1 million. It’s their home base for raising their two kids.
Their daughter, Reese Katherine, was born in 2019. Interestingly, she shares a birthday with her mom (October 2). In May 2023, they added a son, Jack Alexander, to the mix. Laura has been pretty open about the fact that their journey to baby number two wasn't easy, having suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage in 2021. It’s that kind of honesty that makes her feel more like a friend than just a face on a screen.
👉 See also: The Fifth Wheel Kim Kardashian: What Really Happened with the Netflix Comedy
Managing the Chaos of Two Careers
Being married to a professional athlete prepared Laura for the chaotic schedule of sports media. Now, the roles are somewhat reversed. During the NFL season, Laura is constantly on the move. Josh is the one holding down the fort or managing his real estate listings between school drop-offs.
They’ve publicly cheered each other through massive transitions. When Josh graduated from Alabama in 2019—years after he’d left early for the draft—Laura was right there celebrating his degree. When Laura moved from sideline reporting to hosting NFL Live, Josh was her biggest hype man.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- The Wedding: They’ve been married since late 2013.
- The Meet-Cute: A random Alabama tailgate in 2011.
- The Career: Josh is a former MLB player turned realtor and business owner.
- The Kids: Two children, Reese and Jack, living in Connecticut.
If you’re looking to follow their journey more closely, checking out their social media is the move. They often post glimpses of their life in Connecticut or trips back to Alabama. For those interested in the real estate side of things, you can actually find Josh's active listings through Coldwell Banker if you're ever house-hunting in the Northeast.