While ESPN’s Laura Rutledge admitted she was delighted to be back on an NFL sideline on Monday, she also revealed that she and her broadcasting team were not prepared for inclement weather.
Northwest Stadium played host to the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Commanders preseason game, with Joe Burrow left running for his life on more than one occasion. The Bengals star took two big sacks in the game as he attempted to escape Washington’s defensive line, leading to fans on social media lambasting head coach Zac Taylor for his handling of his starting quarterback ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
It comes after Burrow recently faced backlash for refusing to sign an autograph for a fan in a recent clip. In the end, the Bengals won, 31-17.
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Burrow went nine of 14 for 62 yards and a touchdown before backup Jake Browning took over following the first three drives. Browning completed 16 of 25 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns.
The game was covered by ESPN as part of the network’s ‘Monday Night Football’ coverage, with Rutledge on the sidelines at Northwest Stadium.
However, prior to the game, the ESPN host admitted that she and her team were not prepared for rain, having not planned for the inclement weather in Landover, Maryland.
“Alright, we didn’t realize rain was in the forecast,” said Rutledge before continuing: “But here we are.”
“You can’t see it, but it’s raining. Either way, ‘Monday Night Football,’ preseason coming your way.”
Earlier this year, the 36-year-old re-signed a multi-year deal with ESPN, the network she’s worked for since 2014. Such is Rutledge’s talent as a broadcaster and reporter, ESPN has utilized her across a host of signature events, including the NFL, college football, the NFL Draft, the Masters, and SEC Kickoff.
She is also the host of ESPN’s ‘NFL Live.’
“Laura is a consummate professional and wonderful teammate,” said ESPN’s President of Content, Burke Magnus, confirming the news of Rutledge’s extension with the ‘Worldwide Leader in Sports.’
“Her versatility allows us to utilize her in multiple roles, across numerous sports, throughout the year. We are fortunate to have her.”
“ESPN has provided me the support and freedom to build my dream career since I arrived eager to learn and grow. I appreciate its continued faith in me and hope they recognize the gratitude and pride I have working for the company,” said Rutledge earlier this year.
“On a personal level, so many colleagues have become mentors and dear friends during my 10 years, and I have relationships with them that will always be special, including my NFL Live team, who I consider family.”