ESPN host Laura Rutledge has revealed she is stepping down from ‘SEC Nation’ after more than a decade on the show.
In a major bombshell at the network, the 37-year-old has walked away from the pregame college football program in order to ‘expand her NFL assignments’, President of ESPN Content Burke Magnus said in his own statement on Tuesday.
Rutledge was first to announce her SEC Nation exit, saying in a heartfelt message: ‘Ten years ago, I walked onto this set not fully knowing what the journey would become. Today, I walk away knowing it became one of the most meaningful chapters of my life.
‘SEC Nation has never just been a show to me. It’s been a family, a front-row seat to the passion of college football and a weekly reminder of what makes the SEC so special. From the roar of packed stadiums on crisp fall mornings to the quiet, behind-the-scenes moments that viewers never see, every second has meant something.
‘Seeing all of you show up for us every Saturday and feeling genuinely honored you wanted to take pictures and chat will always stick with me.’
In her farewell statement, Rutledge gushed over being afforded the chance of ‘telling stories that matter’ about characters who are ‘bound together by something bigger than the game itself.’
ESPN host Laura Rutledge has revealed she is leaving ‘SEC Nation’ after more than a decade
The stunning presenter is set to ‘expand her NFL assignments’ in a Super Bowl year for ESPN
‘But more than anything, it’s the people who made this experience unforgettable,’ she continued while paying tribute to crew members who ‘worked tirelessly before sunrise and long after the cameras stopped rolling’ as well as colleagues ‘who became lifelong friends.’
She also heaped praise on SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and the SEC for ‘trusting’ her in the role. ‘I’ll never forget the chance you took on me and how impactful it’s been on my life and career.’
‘It’s hard to say goodbye to something that has given me so much,’ Rutledge concluded in her statement. ‘SEC Nation has shaped me, challenged me and given me memories I will carry forever.
‘While this chapter is coming to a close, the impact it’s had on me never will. I’ll still be involved in college football and the SEC and I’m excited for those opportunities.
‘Thank you for letting me be a part of your Saturdays, your traditions and your stories. It has truly been an honor.’
In August last year, Rutledge made a move to the sidelines for ‘Monday Night Football’, having previously hosted the network’s daily ‘NFL Live’ show.
It marked a major career move for the SEC Network presenter as she switched into a full-time role as an NFL sideline reporter.
Rutledge released an emotional statement confirming her SEC Nation departure on Tuesday
While he confirmed she will now be mainly focusing on the big leagues in what will be a Super Bowl year for ESPN, Magnus gave little else away in his own statement on Rutledge’s SEC Nation exit.
‘For more than a decade, Laura has been a beloved and integral member of the SEC Nation family, combining her love of college football with her passion for storytelling,’ the ESPN chief said.
‘As Laura continues to expand her NFL assignments in ESPN’s Super Bowl year, we’re incredibly grateful for everything she has contributed to SEC Network and for the lasting impact she’s made.’
