At San Jose State University, Rutley enrolled in the fall 2007 semester but did not play football. He then played on the San Jose State Spartans football team from 2008 to 2011, the first two seasons under Dick Tomey. As a freshman in 2008, Rutley played all 12 games and ran 79 times for 356 yards and 3 touchdowns, with his longest run being a 60-yarder against #13 Boise State. In 2009, Rutley played 10 games and had just 59 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. In 2010, San Jose State had a new head coachMike MacIntyre. Rutley played all 12 games in 2010 and improved with 129 carries for 461 yards and 4 touchdowns. Rutley stood out for his ability to shed tacklers and make long-distance running plays. Rutley also had 17 receptions for 183 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown reception. As a senior in 2011, Rutley earned second-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors. He played 11 games and had 216 rushes for 903 yards and 12 touchdowns. Among his touchdown runs were one of 66 yards against New Mexico State and 65 yards against UCLA. Rutley also made 27 receptions for 336 yards. In San Jose State's homecoming game against Hawaii, Rutley fumbled a 25-yard reception with about 2:30 to go, but San Jose State rallied to beat Hawaii 28-27 in a game where San Jose State had six turnovers and Hawaii five. Rutley graduated from San Jose State in May 2012 with a B.A. in communication studies.
On August 22, 2012, Rutley signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. Rutley had 2 rushing attempts for 17 yards. The Tiger-Cats placed Rutley on injured reserve on September 27, placed Rutley on the non-active list on October 11, and released Rutley on November 2.
Montreal Alouettes
Rutley signed with the CFL's Montreal Alouettes on June 1, 2014. He had one rush attempt for 6 yards with Montreal. The Alouettes released Rutley on August 11. He was re-signed to the Alouettes' practice roster on September 23, 2014. He was promoted to the active roster on November 15, 2014. On February 3, 2015, the Alouettes and Rutley agreed to a two-year contract extension. Rutley saw increased playing time in the 2015 and 2016 seasons as the team's backup running back, carrying the ball 83 times for 454 yards in 2015, and 113 times for 495 yards in 2016. After almost a week as a free agent Rutley re-signed with the Alouettes, on a two-year contract, on February 20, 2017. Rutley only played in five games for the Alouettes in 2017, rushing for 291 yards on 49 carries.
BC Lions
On January 15, 2018 Rutley was acquired by the BC Lions via trade.
