ESPN reporter flattened by college football players then asked out on date

An ESPN reporter standing on the sidelines of an American football game got way closer to the action than she wanted as she was knocked over by a couple of players.

TV presenter Laura Rutledge was providing live coverage of a Georgia Bulldogs game when she was flattened.

In the footage, two players crash into Rutledge, who had her back to the action, while an ESPN commentator describes the accidental collision as a "violent hit".

Thankfully, Rutledge picked herself up from the ground without any injuries and carried on with the broadcast.

After the game, the footballer who had steamrolled her, Prather Hudson, tweeted her an apology and extended his hand in a light-hearted offer of a date.

Hudson tweeted: "Hey @LauraMRutledge really sorry I knocked you down, but… I can pick you up at 7."

Rutledge replied with a smiling emoji, but informed Hudson she was already married.

It turns out Rutledge had one of those days at the football.

ESPN also showed footage of her at the game being unceremoniously dragged off her feet by a bulldog wearing Georgia colours.

Rutledge's Twitter bio states she "loves a blooper".