Maria Taylor married her second husband, Jonathan Hemphill, in February 2021.
Maria Taylor has established herself as a powerhouse in sports broadcasting, breaking barriers and setting new standards in the industry.
Starting her journey at ESPN in 2013, Taylor quickly became a prominent figure in sports media, covering everything from college football to the NBA.
Her exceptional work as a sideline reporter and analyst earned her increasingly prestigious roles, including hosting College GameDay and NBA Countdown.
In 2021, Taylor made a significant career move to NBC Sports, where she continued to excel.
Her groundbreaking achievement as the first woman to host Football Night in America marked a historic moment in sports broadcasting.
Taylor’s versatility shines through her coverage of major events, from NFL games to the Olympics, showcasing her expertise across multiple sports platforms.
Rodney Blackstock and Maria Taylor’s Relationship Started with Love at First Sight
Maria Taylor’s first love story began in a fitting setting for a sports broadcaster – at a Charlotte Hornets game in September 2014.
She met Rodney Blackstock in what she described as love at first sight.
Their initial encounter was marked by a charming moment when Blackstock approached her on a dare, opening with the line,
“You’re not as tall as I am.”
Via theknot
This led to a conversation that lasted until 5 AM in the parking lot.
Their relationship moved quickly, with Blackstock proposing just eight months after they met.
However, showing remarkable maturity, they decided to postpone their planned June 2016 wedding, recognizing they needed more time to grow as individuals.
Three years later, when the timing felt right, they reunited and married in May 2019 at the oceanfront Hilton Sandestin in Destin, Florida.
Despite their beautiful beach wedding and shared hopes, the marriage ended in early 2021.
Jonathan Hemphill Supported His Wife, Maria Taylor, Through Fertility Challenges
Shortly after her first marriage ended, Taylor found lasting love with Jonathan Lee Hemphill.
The couple tied the knot on February 12, 2021, which marked the beginning of a new chapter in Taylor’s life.
Their relationship, while more private than her first marriage, has been characterized by deep mutual support and understanding.
Hemphill has proven to be a steadfast partner, particularly during Taylor’s challenging journey to motherhood.
When Taylor faced fertility struggles, including multiple IVF cycles and failed embryo transfers, Hemphill remained a constant source of strength.
His support was evident in Taylor’s emotional Instagram post, where she shared their fertility journey, writing,
“For every setback, my husband was there reminding me to keep the faith.”
Via People
Their partnership reached a new milestone when they welcomed their first child, Roman Ryan Taylor Hemphill, on December 24, 2023.
The Christmas Eve birth was particularly meaningful after their long journey to parenthood, with their son weighing 8 pounds and 13 ounces and measuring 21 inches long.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- During her high school years at Centennial High School in Roswell, Georgia, Taylor was a standout athlete who earned multiple accolades, including being named Fulton County Scholar-Athlete of the Year and receiving the Offensive MVP title for volleyball three years in a row.
- At the University of Georgia, Taylor left an impressive legacy in volleyball, finishing her career ranked fourth all-time in program history with 1,729 kills and fourth all-time in total points with 2,020.
- In 2020, Taylor turned down a significant offer from ESPN that would have increased her annual salary from $1 million to $5 million.
