Maria Taylor, born on May 12, 1987, is an esteemed American sportscaster renowned for her work with NBC Sports, ESPN, and the SEC Network. Throughout her career, she has covered various sports events, including college football, college volleyball, NBA, NFL, and both men’s and women’s college basketball. Taylor’s professionalism, expertise, and engaging commentary have solidified her status as a respected figure in sports journalism.
Know Quick Facts About Maria Taylor
| Real Name | Suzette Maria Taylor |
| Nick Name | Maria Taylor |
| Profession | Sportscaster |
| Date of Birth | May 12, 1987 |
| Age as of 2024 | 36 year old |
| Place of Birth | Alpharetta, Georgia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Religion | Christan |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Residence | Atlanta, GA |
Maria Taylor – A Brief Biography
With a career spanning various esteemed networks, Taylor has notably served at ESPN and the SEC Network. Her versatility shines through as she has covered various sports events, including college football, college volleyball, the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Football League (NFL), and men’s and women’s college basketball.
Taylor’s journey in the sports broadcasting industry has been marked by her exceptional professionalism and in-depth knowledge of the games she covers. Her tenure at ESPN and the SEC Network gave her valuable experience and exposure, allowing her to establish herself as a respected figure in sports journalism.
With her engaging commentary and insightful analysis, Taylor has become a familiar face to sports enthusiasts nationwide. As a sportscaster for NBC Sports, Taylor continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic on-screen presence and passion for sports.
Whether reporting live from the sidelines of a football game or providing expert commentary during a basketball match, Taylor’s dedication to delivering accurate and compelling coverage remains unwavering. Her contributions to the field of sports broadcasting have earned her widespread recognition and admiration from fans and peers alike.
Life Before Fame
Maria Taylor enjoyed a distinguished athletic career during her high school years at Centennial High School in Roswell, Georgia. She excelled in basketball, earning numerous awards, such as being a member of the Atlanta Tip-Off Team of the Year and receiving the Offensive MVP title for her high school volleyball team for three consecutive years. Additionally, she garnered recognition as a Fulton County Scholar-Athlete of the Year and earned All-Region and All-State selections.
Education Qualification
Taylor’s athletic skills earned her an athletic scholarship to the University of Georgia, where she continued excelling in volleyball and basketball from 2005 to 2009.
She also pursued her passion for journalism by attending the Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. In 2009, she graduated with a degree in broadcast news, laying the foundation for her career in sports broadcasting.
Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, Taylor later returned to the University of Georgia to pursue a master’s degree in business administration, which she earned in May 2013. Throughout her college career, she was consistently named a member of the All-SEC volleyball team, showcasing her exceptional skills and contributions to the sport.
Her achievements extended beyond college sports, as she represented the US Volleyball Junior National A2 team, contributing to their success in winning a bronze medal during the US Volleyball Championships Open Division.
Maria Taylor Family Life
Maria Taylor was born into the family of Steve Taylor and Suzette Taylor, alongside her two siblings. She has a brother named Steve Taylor Jr. and a sister named Vanna Taylor, who have likely been sources of support and companionship throughout her life. This familial bond may have significantly shaped Maria’s character and contributed to her success in her personal and professional endeavours.
What is Maria Taylor’s Height and Weight?
Standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches, Maria Taylor has a commanding presence. Her slender figure, weighing approximately 72 kilograms (159 lbs), complements her height perfectly. With striking features, including black hair and captivating dark brown eyes, Maria exudes an undeniable charm that adds to her charismatic persona.
Maria Taylor’s Married Life
In 2019, she tied the knot with Rodney Blackstock, who worked as the director of sports marketing at “Q4 Sports.” However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2021. Later in the same year, Maria married Jon Lee. Their union was blessed with the arrival of their first child, a baby boy, born on January 5, 2024.
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Her Professional Career
Maria Taylor’s broadcasting career began at IMG College, where she worked as a reporter and host for three years before joining ESPN in 2013. At ESPN, she covered various sports events, including college football, NCAA women’s basketball, and volleyball.
Taylor later moved to the SEC Network in 2014, where she continued her college football and other SEC sports coverage. She joined the College GameDay broadcast team in 2017 and covered major events like the College Football Playoff. Taylor began hosting NBA Countdown in 2019.
In 2020, she joined NBC Sports after declining a salary increase from ESPN, becoming a panellist on Football Night in America, and eventually replacing Mike Tirico as the lead host. She has also hosted coverage of events like the Summer Olympics and the French Open, and she now serves as the host for NBC’s college football coverage since 2023.
What is Maria Taylor’s Net Worth?
As per the sources, Maria Taylor’s estimated net worth is $6 million. She earns most of her money through her career as a sportscaster with NBC News.
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Social Media Influence
Maria Taylor has a significant social media presence with a large following across various platforms. On platforms like Twitter and Instagram, she shares updates about her career, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and personal moments, engaging with her fans and followers. Her posts often generate high levels of interaction, reflecting her influence and popularity in the sports broadcasting industry.
- Instagram (@mariataylor): Maria Taylor has 337K followers on her Instagram account. Her Instagram bio reads, “I talk sports for a living on @nbc.”
- Twitter (@MariaTaylor): She has 292K followers on her Twitter account. She joined Twitter in May 2009.
Some Fascinating Facts About Maria Taylor
- Maria Taylor is 36 years old as of 2024.
- Her zodiac sign is Taurus and she believes in Christianity.
- She is of African-American descent.
- Maria Taylor was thrilled to meet Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, in February 2019, expressing her gratitude for the encounter.
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FAQs About Maria Taylor
Q1. What sports has Suzette Maria Taylor covered in her broadcasting career?
- Suzette Maria Taylor has covered college football, volleyball, the NBA, NFL, and men’s and women’s collegiate basketball.
Q2. What were Suzette Maria Taylor’s achievements in high school sports?
- Taylor was the Atlanta Tip-Off Team of the Year, Offensive MVP of her high school volleyball team for three years, and All-Region and All-State at Centennial High School in Roswell, Georgia.
Q3. Where did Suzette Maria Taylor play college sports?
- Taylor played volleyball and basketball at Georgia on a scholarship. She was an All-SEC volleyball player and helped the US Volleyball Junior National A2 team win a bronze medal. When she retired in 2008, she was fourth in program history in career kills and points.
Q4. When did Suzette Maria Taylor join NBC Sports?
- She joins NBC Sports two days after the 2021 NBA Finals finale on July 20. On July 23, 2021, she made her network debut during the 2020 Summer Olympics programming.
Q5. What led to Suzette Maria Taylor’s departure from ESP?
- She departed ESPN after the 2021 NBA Finals when leaked statements suggested her selection to host was influenced by race. She joined NBC Sports two days later and debuted on July 23, 2021, during the 2020 Summer Olympics.
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