Maria Taylor, a prominent American sportscaster, has captivated audiences with her insightful commentary and charismatic presence on NBC Sports. Known for her work covering college football, basketball, and volleyball, she’s a household name in sports journalism. Fans often search for details about Maria Taylor’s husband, height, salary, net worth, age, weight, married status, and dating history. This article dives deep into these aspects, offering fresh insights, updated information, and a comprehensive look at her life, including her professional journey and personal milestones as of September 2025.
Who Is Maria Taylor? A Brief Overview
Maria Taylor, born May 12, 1987, in Alpharetta, Georgia, is 38 years old in 2025. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 2 inches and weighing approximately 158 pounds (72 kg), her athletic build reflects her past as a college athlete. She played volleyball and basketball at the University of Georgia, earning accolades like All-SEC honors. Transitioning from sports to broadcasting, Maria has become a leading figure in sports media, known for her work with ESPN, SEC Network, and now NBC Sports. Her net worth is estimated at $6 million, driven by her salary and endorsements.
Maria Taylor’s Husband and Married Life
Current Husband: Jonathan Lee Hemphill
Maria Taylor is happily married to Jonathan Lee Hemphill, a British businessman and art dealer, since February 12, 2021. Their relationship, rooted in a high school friendship, blossomed into a private yet strong partnership. Jonathan, co-founder of Paddle, an online auction platform, and CEO of Squared Circles, prefers to stay out of the spotlight. Maria has shared heartfelt sentiments about her husband, saying, “He always wants me to shine and pushes me to greatness, even when I doubt myself.” Their bond is evident in their shared joy as parents to their son, Roman Ryan Taylor Hemphill, born December 24, 2023.
Past Marriage: Rodney Blackstock
Before Jonathan, Maria was married to Rodney Blackstock, a sports marketing director, from May 5, 2019, to 2021. The couple met in 2014 at a Charlotte Hornets game, and after a whirlwind romance, Rodney proposed in 2015. They initially planned to wed in 2016 but postponed, citing the need for more time. Their marriage ended due to irreconcilable differences, but Maria has remained private about the details, focusing on her career and new family life. This shift from a high-profile marriage to a more private one with Jonathan highlights her growth in balancing personal and professional spheres.
Maria Taylor’s Salary and Net Worth
Salary Insights
Maria Taylor’s salary at NBC Sports is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million annually, a significant increase from her ESPN days, where she earned around $100,000 per year as a sideline reporter. Her move to NBC in 2021, after turning down a $5 million offer from ESPN, showcased her strategic career choices. Her current role as host of Football Night in America and Olympic coverage has elevated her earning potential, reflecting her value in the industry.
Net Worth Breakdown
With a net worth of approximately $6 million in 2025, Maria has built wealth through broadcasting, endorsements, and public speaking. Her involvement with brands and her advocacy for diversity in sports media add to her income streams. For context, a 2023 study on sports broadcasters noted that top-tier female anchors can earn additional $50,000–$100,000 annually from endorsements, a trend Maria likely follows. Her financial success underscores her savvy navigation of a competitive industry.
Maria Taylor’s Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
Height and Athletic Background
At 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), Maria Taylor’s height gives her a commanding presence on screen and stems from her athletic roots. As a volleyball and basketball player at the University of Georgia, her stature contributed to her success, earning her a spot on the USA Volleyball Junior National A2 team in 2004. Her height not only aided her athletic career but also enhances her on-air charisma, making her a standout in sports media.
Weight and Fitness
Maria Taylor’s weight is approximately 158 pounds (72 kg), maintained through a disciplined fitness regimen. Her active lifestyle, rooted in her sports background, includes regular workouts and a balanced diet. In a 2022 Instagram post, she shared, “Staying active keeps me grounded and ready for the demands of broadcasting.” Her commitment to health resonates with fans, inspiring aspiring journalists to prioritize wellness.
Maria Taylor’s Age and Career Milestones
At 38 years old, Maria Taylor has achieved remarkable milestones. Starting her career in 2009 with IMG College, she joined ESPN in 2013 as a sideline reporter, covering major events like the Orange Bowl. Her move to the SEC Network in 2014 solidified her as a college football analyst alongside Brent Musburger and Jesse Palmer. Since joining NBC Sports in 2021, she’s covered the Olympics, Super Bowl, and Football Night in America, earning praise for her versatility. Her age belies her extensive experience, making her a role model for young journalists.
Maria Taylor’s Dating History
Beyond her marriages, Maria Taylor’s dating history has been relatively private. Rumors linked her to sports personalities, including comedian Rickey Smiley in 2015, but she never confirmed these. Her focus on career over publicizing personal relationships has kept her dating life out of the headlines. Fans speculate about her past due to her high-profile status, but Maria’s discretion ensures only verified details, like her marriages, surface.
Unique Insights and Advocacy
Maria Taylor is more than a sportscaster; she’s a trailblazer for diversity in sports media. As an African-American woman, she mentors young journalists, emphasizing representation. In a 2023 panel, she stated, “Diversity in media isn’t just a checkbox—it’s about bringing authentic voices to the table.” Her work with The Winning Edge Leadership Academy supports minority women in developing leadership skills, showcasing her commitment to social impact. This advocacy sets her apart from peers, adding depth to her public persona.
Maria Taylor Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Suzette Maria Taylor |
| Age | 38 (born May 12, 1987) |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) |
| Weight | 158 pounds (72 kg) |
| Husband | Jonathan Lee Hemphill (married 2021) |
| Previous Husband | Rodney Blackstock (married 2019–2021) |
| Children | Roman Ryan Taylor Hemphill (born December 24, 2023) |
| Net Worth | $6 million (estimated, 2025) |
| Salary | $500,000–$1 million annually (NBC Sports) |
| Education | University of Georgia (Broadcast News, 2009; MBA, 2013) |
| Career Start | 2009 (IMG College) |
| Current Employer | NBC Sports (since 2021) |
| Notable Roles | Host of Football Night in America, Olympic coverage, college sports analyst |
| Sports Background | Volleyball and basketball (University of Georgia, All-SEC honors) |
| Advocacy | The Winning Edge Leadership Academy, diversity in sports media |
| Social Media | Instagram: @mariataylor, Twitter: @MariaTaylor |
Recent Updates and Future Outlook
As of September 2025, Maria Taylor continues to shine at NBC Sports, hosting major events like the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her recent Instagram posts highlight her bonding moments with her son, Roman, showcasing a softer side of her public image. Looking ahead, Maria’s trajectory suggests further growth in her salary and net worth, potentially expanding into production or media consulting, given her MBA. Her influence as a mentor and advocate will likely amplify, inspiring the next generation of broadcasters.
For more details, visit Maria Taylor’s Wikipedia page or follow her on Instagram and Twitter for real-time updates.
