Laura Rutledge surprises fans with behind-the-scenes photos as ‘stunning’ NFL host prepares for big change at ESPN broadcast

ESPN host Laura Rutledge gave her fans a behind-the-scenes look at a big weekend of broadcasting.

The NFL Live host posted a set of photos on Instagram that were labeled “stunning.”

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Rutledge, 35, hosts ESPN’s flagship NFL show, which typically airs weekday afternoons.

And interest in football is rising again, with training camps underway ahead of the new season.

Rutledge posed in a black dress at the ESPN studios in Bristol, Connecticut.

She wore a beaming smile on her face in the photos she captioned simply as “pre-show.”

And fans rushed to the comments section to show their admiration for the popular presenter.

“Impressive,” wrote her ESPN colleague Jess Sims.

“Very beautiful Laura”, simply said another fan.

And one more wrote: “This girl is on fire.”

Rutledge typically hosts the show at 3pm weekdays on ESPN.

But with teams reconvening for training camp, the network made a big change to its programming this weekend.

A special two-hour edition of the show has been scheduled for 2pm ET on Saturday.

And that followed a three-hour morning show that began on ESPN at 9 a.m. ET.

The programs were called “Back Together Weekend” to mark the start of the training camps.

The NFL Network also had its own special live shows for the occasion.

Rutledge has been at ESPN for a decade and has risen through the ranks.

‘It was a short retirement!’

Jason Kelce didn’t stay retired from the NFL for long.

The former Philadelphia Eagles forward opted out after the 2023 season.

But he will be part of ESPN’s Monday Night Football coverage in 2024.

Kelce will appear on Monday Night Countdown from 6pm to 8pm ET each week, as well as during the halftime show.

“It turns out it was a short retirement!” he joked.

“ESPN was a consistent presence in our home growing up and the network helped shape who I am and my love for all sports.

“Appearing now on the same screen is a full circle moment.

“And I want to say it’s Monday Night Football! And I’m ready to play football.”

She started working as a reporter at the SEC Network, but is now a key part of ESPN’s NFL coverage.

The host is now also a sideline reporter for some NFL games.

She also hosted portions of ESPN’s coverage of the Pro Bowl Games and the NFL Draft.

The new NFL season will begin Thursday, September 5, with the Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Baltimore Ravens.

ESPN is the home of Monday Night Football and will broadcast 25 games this season, including the playoffs.

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