7 Surprising Facts About Laura Rutledge's Husband, Josh Rutledge: From MLB Infielder To Car Dealership Owner
Laura Rutledge, the dynamic and ubiquitous host of ESPN’s NFL Live and SEC Nation, has one of the most visible careers in sports broadcasting today. However, behind the cameras and the demanding travel schedule is a solid family life centered around her husband, Josh Rutledge. As of December 21, 2025, the couple continues to successfully navigate the complexities of two high-profile careers and raising a young family, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life of a modern sports power couple.
The man at the center of her world is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) player who transitioned from the diamond to a surprising new career path. While many fans know Josh Rutledge from his time with the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox, his life today is a compelling mix of family man, entrepreneur, and dedicated husband. This deep dive reveals the most current, unique, and often surprising details about the man who supports one of ESPN’s biggest stars.
The Complete Biography and Profile of Josh Rutledge
Josh Rutledge is best known for his career as a professional baseball infielder, but his life story is rooted deeply in the state of Alabama, where he and Laura Rutledge first met. His professional journey took him to the highest level of baseball before he transitioned into a post-athletic career in business and real estate.
- Full Name: Joshua Alan Rutledge
- Date of Birth: April 21, 1989
- Place of Birth: Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
- Hometown: Cullman, Alabama
- Spouse: Laura Rutledge (née McKeeman)
- Marriage Date: December 2013
- Children: Daughter, Reese (born 2019), and Son, Jack (born 2022)
- Education: University of Alabama (Played college baseball for the Alabama Crimson Tide)
- MLB Draft: 3rd Round, 107th overall pick by the Colorado Rockies (2010)
- MLB Career: Infielder (Shortstop, Second Baseman, Third Baseman) for the Colorado Rockies (2012–2014), Los Angeles Angels (2015), and Boston Red Sox (2016–2017)
- Current Occupation (2025): Real Estate Agent (Coldwell Banker) and Co-Owner of West Alabama Ford
The MLB Career of Laura Rutledge’s Athlete Husband
Before becoming a dedicated father and a successful businessman, Josh Rutledge was a professional baseball player with a solid career in the Major Leagues. His journey began at the University of Alabama, where he was a standout shortstop for the Crimson Tide.
Draft Day and Ascent to the Big Leagues
Rutledge was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the third round of the 2010 MLB Draft. He quickly rose through the minor league system, making his Major League Baseball debut with the Rockies on July 13, 2012.
His versatility was a major asset, as he played multiple infield positions, including shortstop, second base, and third base. This flexibility allowed him to be a valuable utility player for several teams during his tenure in the big leagues.
Playing for the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox
The majority of his MLB career saw him split time between the Colorado Rockies and the Boston Red Sox. After his time in Denver, he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in 2015, followed by a move to the Boston Red Sox organization, where he played from 2016 to 2017.
Over his six-season MLB career, Rutledge accumulated a .258 batting average with 20 home runs and 111 RBIs. He was known for his solid defense and consistent hitting, providing depth to the rosters of his respective teams.
The Surprising Post-Baseball Career and Entrepreneurial Ventures
One of the most compelling aspects of Josh Rutledge's life is his successful transition out of professional sports. Unlike many former athletes who remain in coaching or broadcasting, Rutledge has built a robust career in the business world, focusing on two distinct, yet equally demanding, fields.
From the Diamond to Dealership Ownership
Following his retirement from baseball, Josh Rutledge pivoted to entrepreneurship. He is now a co-owner of West Alabama Ford in Sulligent, Alabama. This move represents a significant return to his roots in the state and a focus on community business.
This venture showcases his drive to succeed outside of the athletic arena, applying the discipline and teamwork learned in baseball to the competitive world of business ownership. The dealership is a family-oriented business, reflecting the values he and Laura share.
A Career in Real Estate
In addition to his dealership ownership, Josh Rutledge is also a licensed real estate agent with Coldwell Banker in West Hartford, Connecticut. This dual career path highlights his versatility and commitment to providing for his family, demonstrating a strong work ethic that mirrors Laura’s own demanding schedule with ESPN and the SEC Network.
The family splits their time between their homes to accommodate Laura’s travel for shows like NFL Live and SEC Nation, making Josh's flexible entrepreneurial career a perfect complement to her high-demand broadcasting schedule. They are often seen sharing moments on social media with their two young children, Reese and Jack, proving that their partnership is built on mutual support and family focus.
The Burner Account Admission: A Story of Dedicated Support
One of the most recent and unique insights into the Rutledges' relationship came from Laura herself, which went viral in the sports media world in late 2024 and early 2025. This story perfectly encapsulates the deep support and protective nature of their marriage.
Laura Rutledge openly admitted to creating a "burner account" on social media during Josh’s playing days to defend him from online criticism.
This admission, made on a sports media podcast, revealed a humorous and deeply loyal side to the ESPN host. She explained that she felt compelled to jump to his defense when she saw negative comments about his performance, choosing to use an anonymous account to do so.
This anecdote resonated with fans, showcasing that even a polished, professional television host like Laura Rutledge is first and foremost a fiercely devoted wife. It's a relatable story of a spouse protecting their partner from the harsh realities of public scrutiny in professional sports.
The Rutledges’ relationship, which began after they met at an Alabama football tailgate, has clearly been a partnership built on mutual respect, humor, and unwavering support, whether on the baseball field, in the ESPN studio, or in the world of car sales and real estate.
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