Maria magic is saying goodbye (for the time being).
Maria Taylor is the latest of NFL quarterbacks to be sidelined this season. Though her situation might be a little bit different.
The "Football Night in America" host is signing off from NBC as she prepares to welcome her first child, who's due next month. Taylor has become a staple in football, both college and professional, but this time she won't be able to finish the season. She plans on returning as a starter for the 2024 season.
For now, she's focused on raising a future great.
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What happened to Maria Taylor?
On July 31, Taylor shared an emotional post on social media announcing her pregnancy.
To prepare for her son, who is due in January, the reporter is beginning parental leave. She closed out her NFL season with the Ravens-Jaguars game Sunday. After the matchup, "Sunday Night Football on NBC" put together a special message for Taylor. It featured messages from Mike Florio, Jason Garrett and Tony Dungy.
"I was in tears until the Roll Tide part," said the former Georgia Bulldog, who was teased by Matthew Berry in an Alabama T-shirt. Taylor, who wiped away a few tears, was presented with a handful of blue balloons as the show came to an end for the night.
Thank you to my NBC & FNIA Family for this wonderful send off! It’s been amazing to be your Sunday Night QB week to week, while growing my franchise player. I have never felt more blessed to be somewhere!
— Maria Taylor (@MariaTaylor) December 18, 2023
Thank you everyone for the well wishes for my family and I 🥹❤️ https://t.co/5US1UtGU1P
Who will replace Maria Taylor on 'Football Night in America'?
Ahmed Fareed is no stranger to guest hosting "Football Night in America"; he's already stepped into the roll several times on a fill-in basis. He'll replace Taylor for the final weeks of the NFL season beginning Dec. 23 for the Saturday edition of the show, which features a Steelers-Bengals and Bills-Chargers doubleheader.
Fareed is currently a host and reporter for other NBC productions, such as "B1G College Countdown" and "Chris Simms Unbuttoned." He covers MLB, the Premier League, horse racing and rugby and has worked on Olympic and Paralympic coverage, as well.
