Maria Taylor has built one of the most prominent broadcasting careers in modern sports media, moving from a standout collegiate athlete at the University of Georgia to a primary studio host for NBC Sports. While her professional path from ESPN to NBC is heavily documented, sports fans often search for details regarding her personal life, past marriages, and current family.
Presently, Maria Taylor is married to Jonathan Lee Hemphill, with whom she shares a son. Before her current marriage, she was married to Rodney Blackstock. Understanding her journey requires looking past the studio lights to examine how her personal milestones, relationships, and professional evolution intersect.
Early Athletic Foundations and Academic Drive
Long before anchoring high-profile national broadcasts, Taylor established herself as a elite competitor. Born in Cookeville, Tennessee, and raised in Alpharetta, Georgia, she excelled in both basketball and volleyball at Centennial High School. Her athletic prowess earned her a scholarship to the University of Georgia.
At UGA, she cemented her status as a collegiate volleyball legend. She earned All-SEC honors multiple times and played for the U.S. Women's Junior A2 National Volleyball Team. By the time she graduated in 2009 with a degree in broadcast news, she ranked near the top of the program's history in career kills. She later returned to earn an MBA in 2013, preparing herself for the rigorous business side of sports television.
Broadcasting Ascent: From Local Sidelines to National Networks
Taylor transitioned smoothly from indoor courts to television production and reporting. She spent three years working for IMG College at the University of Georgia, handling reporting and hosting duties for various studio programs.
Her big break arrived when she joined ESPN and the SEC Network, covering football, basketball, and volleyball. She shattered barriers in 2017 by becoming the first Black female to co-host College GameDay.
In July 2021, Taylor moved to NBC Sports, where she immediately anchored coverage for the Tokyo Olympic Games. She quickly took over as the host of Football Night in America and expanded her footprint to major basketball and studio properties. Her ability to navigate high-pressure live television with poise made her a central pillar of modern sports broadcasting.
Marriage to Rodney Blackstock
Public curiosity surrounding Taylor's personal life often centers on her past relationships. In May 2019, she married Rodney Blackstock, an insurance advisor based in Atlanta. The couple had met years prior in September 2014 and married in a ceremony at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin, Florida.
The marriage was relatively private, with both keeping details out of heavy media cycles. However, the union was short-lived. The couple divorced quietly in 2021, and both parties moved forward with their respective lives and careers away from public scrutiny.
Life with Jonathan Lee Hemphill and Family
Following her divorce, Taylor found a lasting partnership with Jonathan Lee Hemphill. The couple married on February 12, 2021. Their relationship brought a new chapter of stability and personal fulfillment alongside her demanding television schedule.
In September 2023, Taylor announced that she and Hemphill were expecting their first child. On December 24, 2023, they welcomed a son named Roman Ryan Taylor Hemphill. Taylor frequently balances her grueling travel schedule for football and Olympic events with raising her young son in Atlanta, Georgia, offering glimpses of her family life through social media milestones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Maria Taylor's current husband?
Maria Taylor is married to Jonathan Lee Hemphill. The couple tied the knot on February 12, 2021, and welcomed their first child together in December 2023.
When was Maria Taylor married to Rodney Blackstock?
Taylor was previously married to Rodney Blackstock. They wed in May 2019 after dating for several years, but the marriage ended in divorce in 2021.
What sports did Maria Taylor play in college?
Before her broadcasting career, Taylor was a star athlete at the University of Georgia, where she played both indoor volleyball and basketball, earning All-SEC honors.
Which network does Maria Taylor currently work for?
Taylor works as a prominent host, reporter, and analyst for NBC Sports, where she anchors major studio shows and live event coverage.
