Laura Rutledge Fires Back At Critics After Facing ...

Laura Rutledge Fires Back At Critics After Facing Backlash For Her ‘Monday Night Football’ Outfit [PHOTO]

She’s not explaining her wardrobe to anyone.

ESPN’s NFL coverage is about to lean on Laura Rutledge more than ever. That added visibility comes with its own set of challenges.

Rutledge built her reputation hosting the SEC Network’s college football pregame show before becoming one of ESPN’s leading NFL voices. She’ll play a central role in the network’s first-ever Super Bowl broadcast this season, adding sideline reporting duties for Monday Night Football on top of her daily hosting job with NFL Live.

That expanded workload came with a real sacrifice.

She Stepped Away From A Decade-Long College Football Role

Laura Rutledge (Photo via Imagn Images)

Rutledge announced her departure from ‘SEC Nation’ earlier this year, ending a run that helped turn the show into one of the sport’s most-watched pregame programs.

“It’s hard to say goodbye to something that has given me so much,” Rutledge wrote. “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.”

More screen time on Monday Night Football means more scrutiny, too. Rutledge has faced criticism over her sideline outfits before, including backlash last year over a lace shirt she wore during a broadcast in Dallas, per TheSpun.