Maria Taylor Hyatt Biography: Celebrated NBC Sports Broadcaster and Former Athlete
Maria Taylor Hyatt is a highly accomplished NBC Sports broadcaster and former athlete, known for her versatile hosting roles across various major sports events.
Early Life and Athletic Career:
Born Suzette Maria Taylor on May 12, 1987, she excelled as a multi-sport athlete in high school at Centennial High in Roswell, Georgia.
She received numerous accolades in basketball, including being named to the Atlanta Tip-Off Team of the Year.
She was also a three-time Offensive MVP for her high school volleyball team and a three-time All-Region selection, earning All-State honors as a senior.
Taylor continued her athletic career at the University of Georgia, where she played both volleyball and basketball from 2005 to 2009 on an athletic scholarship.
In volleyball, she was a three-time All-SEC performer and helped the US Volleyball Junior National A2 team win a bronze medal.
By the end of her playing days in 2008, she ranked fourth all-time in program history for career kills and total points. In basketball, she contributed to the Lady Bulldogs’ NCAA Regional Semifinals appearance.
Broadcasting Career:
Early Career:
After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in broadcast journalism in 2009 and later earning her MBA in 2013, Taylor began her broadcasting career.
She worked for IMG College at the University of Georgia for three years as a reporter and host.
ESPN/SEC Network (2014-2021):
Taylor joined the SEC Network in 2014, quickly becoming a prominent face in college sports coverage.
She served as a college football reporter, an analyst for volleyball and women’s basketball, and hosted SEC Nation.
In 2017, she joined ESPN’s “College GameDay” and “ABC Saturday Night Football” as a reporter and host, also covering College Football Playoff and National Championship games.
Her roles expanded to include hosting “NBA Countdown” and covering NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and Women’s Volleyball National Championships.
NBC Sports (2021-Present):
Maria Taylor joined NBC Sports in July 2021, making her on-air debut during the coverage of the 2020 Summer Olympics just days after her last assignment with ESPN. Since then, she has become a leading figure at NBC Sports.
Her key roles at NBC Sports include:
- Host of Football Night in America: Since 2022, she has been the lead host, making history as the first female full-time host of the most-watched studio show in sports.
- Lead NBA and WNBA Studio Host: As of June 2025, Taylor was named NBC Sports’ lead NBA studio host for its coverage beginning in October 2025, and will also host select WNBA games starting in spring 2026.
- Olympics Coverage: She has served as a host for NBC Sports’ coverage of the Tokyo (2020), Beijing (2022), and Paris (2024) Olympic Games, earning a Sports Emmy for her work on the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- College Football: She previously hosted Big Ten College Countdown, NBC Sports’ primetime college football studio program.
- Tennis: She has also hosted Roland-Garros semifinals and finals.
Accolades and Other Ventures:
Taylor has received significant recognition for her work, including being named one of the “Most Powerful Women in Sports” by Adweek in 2021 and being included in TIME Magazine’s TIME100 Next list in 2022.
She is also executive producing an eight-part documentary series on the history of the Black quarterback in the NFL.
In 2015, she co-founded The Winning Edge Leadership Academy, which aims to provide career development opportunities for ethnic minorities and women in the sports industry.
Age
Maria Taylor Hyatt, born Suzette Maria Taylor on May 12, 1987, in Cookeville, Tennessee.
- Age: 38 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Ethnicity: African-American
- Nationality: American
Parents and Siblings
Maria Taylor Hyatt, born Suzette Maria Taylor on May 12, 1987, in Cookeville, Tennessee, is the daughter of Steve and Suzette Taylor.
Her father, Steve Taylor, was a coach at Tennessee Tech University. Maria grew up in a sports-oriented family, which likely influenced her passion for athletics and sports broadcasting.
Maria is an only child, so she doesn’t have any siblings. Her upbringing was marked by a strong emphasis on education and sports.
She attended Centennial High School in Roswell, Georgia, where she excelled in basketball and volleyball, earning numerous accolades.
Her athletic talent earned her a scholarship to the University of Georgia, where she continued to play both sports.
Husband
Maria Taylor Hyatt is married to Jonathan Lee Hemphill, a businessman and art dealer. They tied the knot on February 12, 2021, in an intimate ceremony surrounded by close friends and family.
Jonathan studied history and economics at the University of Oxford and is the co-founder of Paddle, an online platform for auctioning art and luxury items.
In 2023, Maria and Jonathan welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Roman Ryan Taylor Hemphill, on December 24, 2023.
Maria shared a heartfelt post about her pregnancy journey and praised her husband for his support.
The couple resides in Los Angeles, California, where they enjoy spending time with their son and engaging in various family activities.
Maria Taylor Height and Weight
Maria Taylor stands tall at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and weighs 145 pounds (66 kg).
Her body measurements are 34-26-37 inches (bust-waist-hip), and she wears a shoe size 11 (US).
Her athletic build and height have contributed to her strong presence both on and off the screen.
Career and Background
Maria Taylor began her career as a student-athlete, playing college volleyball at the University of Georgia.
After graduating, she transitioned into sports journalism, working for ESPN as a sideline reporter and host. She eventually joined NBC Sports and became the host of various sports events, including the NFL and Olympics coverage.
Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to sports broadcasting, earning respect for her expertise and professionalism.
Maria Taylor Hyatt’s journey through sports journalism and broadcasting is a testament to her passion, skill, and dedication.
From her early days at IMG College to her current roles at NBC Sports and Amazon Prime Video, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to excel in a dynamic and competitive industry.
Her personal and professional achievements continue to inspire many aspiring journalists and sportscasters.
Let’s dive deeper into her remarkable professional path:
Early Career
Maria’s career began at IMG College at the University of Georgia. Here, she honed her skills as a reporter and host, covering college sports with enthusiasm and expertise.
She was featured on various studio shows, including Dawg Report, SEC Men’s Basketball Tonight, and SportsNite. These early experiences laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors in sports broadcasting.
ESPN
In 2013, Maria joined ESPN, one of the leading sports networks. At ESPN, she took on the role of a sideline reporter for college football and women’s basketball.
She covered significant events like the Orange Bowl and the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Her insightful reporting and ability to connect with both athletes and viewers helped her establish a strong presence in the sports journalism industry.
SEC Network
Maria’s expertise and growing reputation led her to the SEC Network in 2014. As a college football reporter for the network, she worked alongside esteemed commentators such as Brent Musburger and Jesse Palmer.
Maria provided in-depth analysis for SEC telecasts, covering not only football but also volleyball and women’s basketball.
Her comprehensive knowledge of sports and engaging on-screen presence made her a key figure on the network.
NBC Sports and Amazon Prime Video
In 2022, Maria expanded her horizons by joining NBC Sports. She took on the role of a sideline reporter for Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video.
This move allowed her to delve deeper into her passion for football while continuing to cover a wide range of sports events.
Her work at NBC Sports further showcased her versatility and commitment to delivering top-notch sports journalism.
Notable Sport Reports by Maria Taylor Hyatt
- 2022 Super Bowl: Maria Taylor was part of the broadcast team for the 2022 Super Bowl held in California. Her insightful analysis and engaging commentary made her a standout during the event.
- 2022 Winter Olympics: Maria reported from the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, providing comprehensive coverage of various competitions and athletes. Her work during the Olympics was widely praised for its depth and clarity.
- 2024 Summer Olympics: Maria continued her Olympic coverage at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. She provided real-time updates and in-depth analysis, showcasing her expertise in sports journalism.
- NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament: As a sideline reporter for ESPN, Maria covered the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, offering valuable insights and engaging interviews with players and coaches.
- Thursday Night Football: Since joining NBC Sports, Maria has been a sideline reporter for Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video. Her role involves providing live updates, player interviews, and analysis during the games.
- College Football Playoff National Championship: Maria has covered the College Football Playoff National Championship, bringing her expertise and enthusiasm to one of college football’s most prestigious events.
- French Open: Maria also reported on the French Open, covering the tennis tournament with her characteristic professionalism and passion for sports.
Maria Taylor Hyatt has worked with many talented and well-known colleagues throughout her career across various news networks and sports broadcasting. Here are a few of her close colleagues:
- Brent Musburger: Maria worked alongside Brent Musburger at the SEC Network, where he provided commentary for college football games.
- Jesse Palmer: Another colleague from the SEC Network, Jesse Palmer is a former NFL quarterback and current college football analyst.
- Kaylee Hartung: Maria and Kaylee have crossed paths in the sports journalism world, collaborating on various assignments and events.
- Mike Tirico: At NBC Sports, Maria has worked with Mike Tirico, a well-known sportscaster and play-by-play announcer.
- Pete Thamel: A prominent sports journalist, Pete Thamel has collaborated with Maria on various sports coverage.
- Molly Qerim: Maria has worked with Molly Qerim, the host of ESPN’s “First Take,” on different projects and events.
Maria Taylor Olympics
Maria Taylor has been a prominent figure in NBC’s coverage of the Olympics. She has hosted various shows and segments, including late-night recaps and live reports from iconic locations.
Her engaging personality and insightful commentary have made her a valuable asset to the network’s Olympic coverage.
Here are some key points about her involvement in the Olympics:
- 2021 Tokyo Olympics: Taylor made her debut as a host for NBC during the Tokyo Olympics, providing analysis and commentary on various events.
- 2022 Beijing Olympics: She continued her role as a host for NBC during the Beijing Winter Olympics, covering a range of winter sports.
- 2024 Paris Olympics: Taylor is set to host late-night recap shows and report live from iconic locations during the Paris Olympics. She will also be on the boat carrying the US team during the opening ceremony, a unique and prestigious assignment.
Maria Taylor Outfit
Maria Taylor is known for her stylish outfits on air. She often wears professional and fashionable attire, such as blazers and leggings, which have been praised by fans.
Here are some key aspects of her style:
- Tailored Blazers: She often wears tailored blazers in various colors and styles, adding a touch of professionalism and sophistication to her look.
- Sleek Dresses: Maria frequently chooses elegant dresses, both fitted and flowing, often in solid colors or with subtle patterns.
- Chic Jumpsuits: She sometimes opts for stylish jumpsuits, which are both comfortable and stylish.
- Statement Jewelry: Maria often accessorizes with bold and eye-catching jewelry, such as statement necklaces and earrings.
- Bold Accessories: She is not afraid to experiment with bold accessories like colorful scarves or stylish hats.
It’s worth noting that her style often varies depending on the specific event or occasion. For example, she might opt for a more casual look for a college football game or a more formal outfit for a special event like the Olympics.
Net Worth and Salary
Maria Taylor Hyatt’s financial profile reflects her continued rise as a top-tier sports broadcaster:
Salary
- NBC Sports Contract: Maria reportedly earns $5 million annually at NBC Sports, a significant leap from her previous $1 million salary at ESPN.
- This figure places her among the highest-paid female sportscasters in the U.S., reflecting her role as lead host of Football Night in America and Olympic coverage.
Net Worth
- Her estimated net worth remains around $6 million.
- While some sources still cite lower figures (around $2 million), these likely reflect outdated data or conservative estimates.
- Her wealth stems from:
- Long-term contracts with major networks (ESPN, NBC)
- High-profile hosting roles (NFL, Olympics, French Open)
- Endorsements and speaking engagements
Was Maria Taylor a basketball player?
Yes, Maria Taylor was a basketball player. She played both basketball and volleyball at the University of Georgia, where she was named to the All-SEC volleyball team three times.
Why is Maria Taylor famous?
Maria Taylor is famous for her work as a sportscaster. She has covered major sports events, including the NBA, NFL, college football, and volleyball. Her rise to fame includes hosting the Super Bowl and the Olympics.
Is Maria Taylor still with NBC?
Yes, Maria Taylor is still with NBC Sports. She joined NBC after leaving ESPN in 2021.
How tall is the lady on “Football Night in America”?
Maria Taylor is 6 feet 2 inches tall.
Did Maria Taylor play sports?
Yes, Maria Taylor played sports during her college years. She was a Division I athlete at the University of Georgia, playing both volleyball and basketball.
Who is the tall black woman on “Football Night in America”?
The tall black woman on “Football Night in America” is Maria Taylor.
Is Maria Taylor Hyatt Married?
Yes, Maria Taylor Hyatt is married. She is currently married to Jonathan Lee Hemphill, a businessman and art dealer. They exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony on February 12, 2021.
This is Maria’s second marriage; she was previously married to Rodney Blackstock, but they divorced in 2021.
How Old Is Maria Taylor Hyatt?
Maria Taylor Hyatt was born on May 12, 1987, which makes her 38 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Maria Taylor Hyatt Working?
Maria Taylor Hyatt is currently working as a sportscaster for NBC Sports.
She joined NBC in 2021 after leaving ESPN, and she’s since become a prominent face on major broadcasts like Football Night in America, the Olympics, and Super Bowl coverage.
Her move to NBC marked a significant step in her career, positioning her as one of the leading women in sports broadcasting.
Maria Taylor Hyatt is active on social media! You can follow her on:
She frequently shares updates about her work, personal life, and interests. Maria engages with her followers by posting behind-the-scenes content, photos with her family, and insights into her career.
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