Laura Rutledge expands NFL coverage, departs SEC Nation

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Laura Rutledge, a University of Florida alumna, is leaving "SEC Nation," which she hosts each Saturday during the college football season.

Rutledge announced the decision on Tuesday in a joint statement with ESPN. Rutledge will remain with ESPN in her role as the host of "NFL Live" and as a sideline reporter for Monday Night Football. She is also expanding her role in NFL broadcasts.

"Today, I walk away knowing it became one of the most meaningful chapters of my life," Rutledge said in her statement. "SEC Nation has never just been a show to me. It’s been a family, a front-row seat to the passion of college football and a weekly reminder of what makes the SEC so special."

She also added, "More than anything, it’s the people who made this experience unforgettable. The crew who worked tirelessly before sunrise and long after the cameras stopped rolling. The colleagues who became lifelong friends. Tim, Paul, Jordan, Roman, Marty and Ryan: you are all exceptional."

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey also released a statement, calling Rutledge "a cherished part of the SEC Network since it started." Sankey added that he looks forward to seeing Rutledge "on the sidelines at SEC football games this fall."

SportsCenter anchor Matt Barrie was named the new anchor of "SEC Nation" on Wednesday.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Laura Rutledge says goodbye to SEC Nation

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