Laura Rutledge Husband: Meet Former MLB Player Josh Rutledge and Their Family

ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge has opened up about the important role her husband, Josh Rutledge, plays in supporting her demanding broadcasting career. During an October 2026 interview, the NFL Live host praised her husband for managing family responsibilities while she travels for football coverage. Her comments offered a rare glimpse into the couple’s marriage and how they balance professional commitments with raising two young children.

Laura, who became a full-time Monday Night Football sideline reporter in 2025, has been married to former Major League Baseball player Josh Rutledge since December 2013. Their relationship began at a college football tailgate and has continued through major career changes, parenthood and their move to Connecticut.

So, who is Laura Rutledge’s husband, Josh Rutledge? Here’s everything to know about his baseball career, their relationship, children and family life.

Who Is Laura Rutledge’s Husband Josh Rutledge?

Laura Rutledge is married to Josh Rutledge, a retired American professional baseball player who previously competed in Major League Baseball.

Josh was born on April 21, 1989, in Birmingham, Alabama, and grew up in Cullman, where he developed an early interest in baseball.

He attended Cullman High School and became a standout player, helping his team win a state championship during his senior year.

His performances earned him recognition as Alabama’s Class 5A Player of the Year.

Josh later attended the University of Alabama, where he played college baseball for the Crimson Tide.

His successful college career eventually led to an opportunity in professional baseball.

Although he is widely recognized as Laura Rutledge’s husband, Josh established his own sporting career before moving into business and real estate.

How Did Laura Rutledge and Josh Rutledge Meet?

Laura and Josh Rutledge first met in November 2011 during a college football tailgate at the University of Alabama.

The gathering took place around a highly anticipated game between Alabama and Louisiana State University.

At the time, Laura was a student at the University of Florida, while Josh had already begun his professional baseball career.

Their introduction was unexpected, as Laura happened to approach a tailgate where Josh was spending time.

The two quickly developed a connection and began dating.

Their shared interest in sports became an important part of their relationship.

Laura was preparing for a career in broadcasting, while Josh was working toward establishing himself in Major League Baseball.

Despite the challenges of their different professional schedules, their relationship continued developing over the following two years.

When Did Laura Rutledge Marry Josh Rutledge?

Laura Rutledge and Josh Rutledge married in December 2013, approximately two years after their first meeting.

Their wedding marked the beginning of a marriage that has now lasted nearly 13 years.

At the time, Josh was pursuing his professional baseball career, while Laura was building her reputation as a sports journalist.

Both faced demanding schedules involving travel, public appearances and unpredictable working hours.

However, the couple continued supporting each other’s ambitions.

In December 2023, Laura celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary with a heartfelt social media message.

She reflected on their experiences together, including welcoming two children and navigating major life changes.

Their marriage has remained a significant part of Laura’s personal life as her broadcasting responsibilities have expanded.

Josh Rutledge Played Major League Baseball

Before moving into business, Josh Rutledge spent several years playing professional baseball.

He was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the third round of the 2010 MLB Draft.

After developing in the minor leagues, he made his Major League Baseball debut with Colorado in June 2012.

Rutledge played primarily as an infielder, appearing at shortstop and second base.

He spent three seasons with the Rockies before being traded to the Los Angeles Angels in December 2014.

Although he joined the Angels organization, he did not make a major league appearance for the team.

He was subsequently traded to the Boston Red Sox in July 2015.

Rutledge played for Boston during the 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons, contributing as a utility infielder.

He later signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants organization before retiring from professional baseball after the 2018 season.

His baseball experience gave him firsthand knowledge of the challenges athletes face, something that has complemented Laura’s career covering professional sports.

What Does Josh Rutledge Do for a Living Now?

Following his retirement from baseball, Josh Rutledge transitioned into business and financial services.

He worked as a financial advisor with Wells Fargo between 2019 and 2022.

He later entered the real estate industry, working with Coldwell Banker in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Josh has also developed business interests in Alabama, where he owns automotive dealerships.

His businesses include West Alabama Ford in Sulligent and West Alabama Ford of Fayette.

These ventures have allowed him to establish a professional identity outside baseball.

While Laura frequently travels for her ESPN assignments, Josh also plays an important role in managing their household and caring for their children.

In October 2026, Laura publicly praised her husband for the sacrifices he makes to support her career.

She described him as a major source of encouragement and acknowledged that his contribution to their family often goes unnoticed.

Laura Rutledge and Josh Rutledge Have Two Children

Laura and Josh Rutledge are parents to two children, a daughter named Reese Katherine Rutledge and a son named Jack Alexander Rutledge.

Their daughter, Reese, was born on October 2, 2019.

Interestingly, Reese shares her birthday with her mother, making the occasion particularly meaningful for their family.

The couple welcomed their second child, Jack, on May 25, 2023.

His middle name, Alexander, honors Laura’s late brother, Alex McKeeman.

Following Jack’s arrival, Laura expressed gratitude for becoming a mother of two, explaining that she had once questioned whether she could successfully balance motherhood with her broadcasting career.

She also revealed that the couple experienced a miscarriage in 2021.

The arrival of their son was therefore an especially emotional milestone.

In December 2023, Jack experienced a serious medical emergency that required hospitalization.

Laura later shared that doctors had provided encouraging updates and that he was expected to recover.

The experience highlighted the importance of family support during difficult circumstances.

Laura Rutledge Discusses Balancing Marriage and Motherhood

Laura Rutledge has spoken openly about the challenges of maintaining a demanding sports broadcasting career while raising young children.

In May 2026, she revealed that becoming pregnant with Reese initially made her anxious about her professional future.

She worried that motherhood might prevent her from continuing to pursue major television opportunities.

However, her experience ultimately challenged those fears.

Laura explained that important career developments followed the births of both her children.

She has since become one of ESPN’s most recognizable NFL personalities, hosting NFL Live and reporting from the sidelines during Monday Night Football.

Her professional responsibilities frequently require travel and long working hours.

Josh has helped make that schedule possible by taking on significant parenting and household responsibilities.

Laura has repeatedly acknowledged that balancing everything remains difficult, but she credits her husband’s support as an essential part of their family’s routine.

Where Do Laura and Josh Rutledge Live?

Laura and Josh Rutledge live in Connecticut with their two children.

The location provides convenient access to ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut, where Laura’s broadcasting work is based.

Their family home offers a quieter environment away from the constant activity associated with major sporting events.

Although both have demanding professional responsibilities, they occasionally share glimpses of family life through social media.

Josh also enjoys outdoor activities, particularly hunting and fishing.

Laura has described their marriage as a partnership built around encouragement, shared responsibilities and an understanding of each other’s professional ambitions.

As her role at ESPN continues expanding, Josh remains an important part of her personal and professional support system.

For readers searching for Laura Rutledge’s husband, Josh Rutledge is a former MLB infielder who has successfully transitioned into business and real estate. The couple has been married since 2013 and shares two children, Reese and Jack, while maintaining a family life centered on mutual support.