Home / Sports / ESPN's Laura Rutledge Celebrates Diverse NFL Fanbase
ESPN's Laura Rutledge Celebrates Diverse NFL Fanbase
16 Oct
Summary
- 47% of NFL fan base is female, 40% of international growth
- Chiefs owner says team ranks #1 in female demographic
- Taylor Swift's presence brings new fans to the sport
As of October 2025, ESPN's Laura Rutledge continues to break boundaries in sports media. She has joined the Monday Night Football coverage this year in addition to her duties on the network's NFL Live. Rutledge has noticed some predictable social media backlash to Taylor Swift attending a recent Kansas City Chiefs game, but she is eager to celebrate the diversity of the NFL's fan base.
According to a 2025 SSRS Sports Poll, 47% of the U.S. NFL fan base is female, and women represent 40% of the league's international growth. Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has also stated that the team ranks #1 among NFL teams in the female demographic. Rutledge argues that Swift's presence has been a great opportunity for young women and new fans to get interested in football.
While some fans may be critical, Rutledge believes that having more fans of the sport they love is a positive thing. She is still mindful of potential criticism, but hopes to reach a point where she no longer cares what others think. Rutledge is grateful for the support of The Honey Baked Ham Company, whose new Take & Serve Tavern Club Sliders have been a hit with tailgaters.
