ESPN favorite Laura Rutledge left fans in awe this weekend after putting on a show-stopping display while anchoring the network’s coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The 37-year-old presenter was front and center in Pittsburgh, serving as a lead host by the main stage as the next generation of football stars learned their fates.
Rutledge opted for an all-red ensemble that featured a cropped jacket adorned with gold buttons and white trim, paired with a matching mini skirt.
It didn’t take long for the outfit to go viral on social media, particularly after Rutledge shared a series of behind-the-scenes photos with the caption: ‘What a night!’
Adoring fans quickly flocked to the comments section to praise the veteran reporter, with one follower labeling her a ‘gift from God’ for her flawless appearance.
‘The best in the business!!!! Flawless beauty,’ another user commented, while a third added: ‘Does any woman in the world rock so many different outfits? Smart, beautiful, and a wonderful personality.’
ESPN host Laura Rutledge stole the show at the 2026 NFL Draft with her striking outfit
The 37-year-old presenter was front and center in Pittsburgh for the Draft action
Rutledge has established herself as one of ESPN’s most versatile stars, recently earning plaudits for her coverage of The Masters before pivoting back to the gridiron.
Having joined the network in 2014, she has become a fixture on NFL Live and a presence on the sidelines for Monday Night Football.
Recently, Rutledge laid bare her battles with anxiety after taking on a new role with the network during their coverage of the 2025 NFL season.
In August last year, Rutledge, 37, 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 Rutledge – who is also a host for ABC and the SEC Network – as she switched into a full-time role as a sideline reporter.
While some would only think of the glamor that could come with such a promotion, Rutledge has revealed that the promotion also brought on a wave of anxiety for her.
Speaking on the Sons and Daughters podcast on Wednesday, she said: ‘I deal with that [anxiety] every day, I really do.
‘I think there’s probably some people out there in the world that go to their TV job and feel great about it every day, that has never happened to me.
‘I can know inside of me I’m capable of doing these things and yet be my own worst enemy the whole time. Beating myself down or telling myself I can’t do it.’
