Laura Rutledge Is Very Happy With ESPN’s Decision As Layoffs Continue

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

ESPN is reshaping its talent roster, but Tim Tebow survived the latest wave of layoffs.

The network announced a new multi-year contract extension for the former Florida quarterback just one day after cutting several high-profile personalities. 

Ryan Clark, Cam Newton, Tom Pelissero and Karl Ravech were among the biggest names affected by Tuesday’s layoffs. ESPN linked most of the cuts to its integration of NFL Network following Disney’s acquisition of NFL Media assets.

Despite losing several big-name Laura Rutledge was very happy.

Rutledge, who previously worked alongside Tebow on SEC Nation, praised her longtime colleague in a post on social media.

“The heart of SEC Nation and a truly incredible human👏🏼,” she wrote.

Tim Tebow Stays With ESPN On New Multi-Year Contract

ESPN confirmed Tebow would continue serving as a college football analyst on SEC Nation. He also remained part of the network’s College Football Playoff coverage and studio programming, including College Football Live and SportsCenter.

Tebow reflected on the extension in a statement released by ESPN.

“I love this game and getting to talk about it every Saturday with the crews on SEC Network and ESPN is a gift I don’t take lightly,” the former Gators star said.

“SEC fans bring a passion that never gets old, and I’m grateful I get to keep doing this alongside people who feel like family,” he added.

ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus also praised Tebow’s impact on the network’s college football coverage in a press release. Magnus labeled Tebow one of the sport’s most credible voices and a fixture across ESPN’s platforms.

The extension also came after ESPN revamped SEC Nation for the upcoming season. Matt Barrie replaced Rutledge as host, while Chase Daniel joined the show following Jordan Rodgers’ departure. Tebow and Roman Harper remained on the set.

While ESPN continued reducing staff elsewhere across the company, the network made it clear that Tebow would remain a central part of its college football coverage for years to come.