EX-Collegiate Athlete Maria Taylor Makes Super Bowl History at Super Bowl LX

On February 8, 2026, Maria Taylor made history at Super Bowl LX. She wasn’t just covering the big game—she owned the night. Taylor became the first Black woman to host a Super Bowl pregame show and hand out the Vince Lombardi Trophy, all in one evening. That’s a double milestone on one of the world’s biggest stages.

 

Taylor led NBC’s pregame coverage with her usual confidence—setting the tone, keeping millions of viewers engaged, and just making it look easy. Then, after the final whistle, she was right there on the field, presenting the Lombardi Trophy to the Seattle Seahawks. That moment wasn’t just about personal success. For many people watching, it meant something bigger—proof that representation in sports media keeps moving forward.

 

Hosting the Super Bowl pregame show is a huge deal—one of the most-watched studio broadcasts in the world. Taylor became the first Black woman ever to anchor that spot, setting the scene for the NFL’s biggest night. Later, when she handed the trophy to the new champs, it drove home how much trust she’s earned from NBC and the NFL. They didn’t just let her cover the event—they put her at the center of it.

 

Well, this is amazing! Love you @IAMANITABAKER 💐 https://t.co/1uNZDvIplL

— Maria Taylor (@MariaTaylor) February 9, 2026

Getting there took years of hard work. Taylor played college sports at Georgia, then jumped into broadcasting with ESPN. She covered everything—college football, the NBA, big national events. It didn’t take long for people to notice her versatility and presence. In 2021, she moved to NBC Sports and took over as the main host for Football Night in America. She’s been front and center ever since, guiding conversations, handling the pressure, and leading the coverage. Super Bowl LX wasn’t just her next job—it was the moment she was built for.

 

But this is bigger than one person’s résumé. The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched events on the planet, and seeing a Black woman own the spotlight matters. Taylor’s role cracks open doors that have long remained shut to women—especially Black women—in NFL media. She’s always given credit to the women who came before her, like Lesley Visser, but now she’s extending that legacy herself.

 

And the ripple effect won’t end with this game. Taylor’s talked about wanting to see more women hosting, anchoring, and leading on the biggest stages in sports. Watching her at the center of those iconic Super Bowl moments, you can feel things shifting.

 

She’s setting an example for the next generation, making space for them to dream bigger. At Super Bowl LX, Maria Taylor didn’t just report on history—she created it.