The Man Behind The Mic: Who Is Maria Taylor's Husband, Jonathan Lee Hemphill?

Maria Taylor, the dynamic and influential sportscaster for NBC Sports, has captivated millions with her insightful commentary and commanding presence on major platforms like Sunday Night Football and the Olympics. As of December 2025, the central figure in her personal life is her husband, Jonathan Lee Hemphill, a successful art dealer and businessman. Their relationship has been a source of fascination for fans, especially after their private 2021 wedding and the exciting arrival of their first child, providing a fresh chapter in the life of one of sports broadcasting's biggest stars.

The journey to finding her permanent co-anchor in life was not without its public moments, including a previous marriage. However, Taylor and Hemphill have built a strong, private foundation, recently celebrating the birth of their son. This article delves into the identity of Jonathan Lee Hemphill, the details of their modern romance, and a complete look at Maria Taylor’s personal and professional biography.

Maria Taylor: A Biographical Profile and Career Overview

Maria Taylor is a prominent American sports journalist who has rapidly ascended to the top tier of broadcasting. Her career trajectory is marked by significant roles at ESPN and, more recently, NBC Sports, where she became one of the network's most visible personalities.

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• Full Name: Maria Taylor
• Date of Birth: May 12, 1987
• Age (as of 2025): 38
• Place of Birth: Alpharetta, Georgia, USA
• Current Residence: Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia
• Education: Centennial High School, Alpharetta; University of Georgia (B.A. in Broadcast News)
• Collegiate Sports Career: Four-year member of the University of Georgia volleyball team (2005–2009) and a basketball player.
• Career Highlights: Reporter and analyst for ESPN (2014–2021), covering College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA Draft. Joined NBC Sports in 2021 as the host of Football Night in America and coverage of the Olympic Games.
• Current Husband: Jonathan Lee Hemphill (m. 2021)
• Former Husband: Rodney Blackstock (m. 2019; div. 2021)
• Children: One son, Roman Ryan Taylor Hemphill (born December 24, 2023)

Taylor’s transition from a successful collegiate athlete to an acclaimed sportscaster is a testament to her dedication and on-screen charisma. Her work ethic and professionalism have made her a role model in the industry, and her move to NBC Sports was one of the biggest stories in sports media in 2021.

Jonathan Lee Hemphill: The Businessman and Art Dealer

The man who successfully won Maria Taylor's heart is Jonathan Lee Hemphill. Unlike his high-profile wife, Hemphill maintains a relatively private life, but his professional background is equally impressive.

Who is Jonathan Lee Hemphill?

Jonathan Lee Hemphill is a businessman and art dealer. While some sources suggest he is from the United Kingdom, others place him as a New York-based professional. His career is centered in the high-end world of art and business, a stark contrast to the fast-paced, public realm of sports broadcasting. This difference in professional spheres likely contributes to the couple's ability to maintain a strong level of privacy.

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The couple’s connection is deeply rooted, as they were reportedly high school friends, having both attended Centennial High School in Alpharetta, Georgia. This long-standing history provides a unique and enduring foundation for their relationship, transforming a high school friendship into a committed marriage.

The Second Chance at Love: A 2021 Wedding

Maria Taylor and Jonathan Lee Hemphill exchanged vows in a private ceremony in 2021. The exact date is reported to be either February 12 or February 21, 2021. This marriage marked a new beginning for Taylor, following her divorce from her first husband, Rodney Blackstock, earlier that same year.

Taylor and Blackstock had married in May 2019 in Destin, Florida, after a highly publicized proposal. However, the marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce in 2021. The quick succession of events—a divorce and a new marriage in the same year—highlighted a period of significant personal transition for the sportscaster.

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The union with Jonathan Lee Hemphill appears to be a source of deep personal happiness and stability. The couple has kept the details of their life together largely out of the public eye, choosing to share only key milestones.

The Newest Addition: Roman Ryan Taylor Hemphill

The most significant and recent update in Maria Taylor’s personal life is the birth of her first child. On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023, Maria Taylor and Jonathan Lee Hemphill welcomed their son, Roman Ryan Taylor Hemphill.

This joyous event came shortly after Taylor announced her pregnancy in September 2023. The arrival of Roman Ryan was a wonderful culmination to the year, bringing a new dynamic to the Hemphill-Taylor household. Taylor has openly shared her excitement about motherhood, balancing her demanding role as a top-tier broadcaster with the responsibilities of raising a young family.

The couple's decision to hyphenate their son's last name, "Taylor Hemphill," is a subtle nod to the partnership and equality in their marriage, ensuring that both parents' legacies are represented. This choice reflects a modern approach to family and identity.

Balancing a High-Profile Career and Private Family Life

Maria Taylor’s career demands constant travel and a high degree of public visibility, especially with her roles covering major events like the Summer and Winter Olympics, the NFL season, and the NBA. Her ability to maintain a strong, private family life with Jonathan Lee Hemphill and their son, Roman Ryan, is a testament to their mutual commitment and effective boundary-setting.

The support system provided by her husband, an established businessman in his own right, is undoubtedly crucial. While Maria is on the air discussing complex sports analysis, Jonathan is managing his endeavors in the art world, providing a complementary balance to their lives. Their story is a modern narrative of two successful professionals building a life together, respecting the demands of their respective careers while prioritizing their growing family.

As Maria Taylor continues to rise as a powerful voice in sports media, her fans are not only interested in her professional achievements but also in the stability and happiness she has found with Jonathan Lee Hemphill. Their life together, especially with the recent addition of their son, solidifies their status as a prominent, yet private, power couple in the media and business worlds.