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| spouse = {{Marriage|[[Matt Gilroy]]|2015}}
| spouse = {{Marriage|[[Matt Gilroy]]|2015}}
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| credits = ''[[Skip and Shannon: Undisputed]]''
| credits = ''[[Skip and Shannon: Undisputed]]''
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'''Jenny Taft''' (born September 5, 1987) is an American sports television personality who served as the moderator on [[Fox Sports 1]]'s ''[[Skip and Shannon: Undisputed]]''. Taft additionally works as a lead [[college football]] [[Sports commentator#Sideline reporter|sideline reporter]] on [[Fox College Football|Fox]] broadcasts. Her broadcasting career began with the [[Bally Sports North|Fox Sports North]] (FSN) [[regional sports network|regional affiliate]]. Taft is also a pit reporter for [[BattleBots]] on the Discovery channel.
'''Jenny Taft''' (born September 5, 1987) is an American sports television personality who served as the moderator on [[Fox Sports 1]]'s ''[[Undisputed (sports show)|Undisputed]]''. Taft additionally works as a lead [[college football]] [[Sports commentator#Sideline reporter|sideline reporter]] on [[Fox College Football|Fox]] broadcasts. Her broadcasting career began with the [[Bally Sports North|Fox Sports North]] (FSN) [[regional sports network|regional affiliate]]. Taft is also a pit reporter for [[BattleBots]] on the Discovery channel.


==Early years==
==Early years==
Jenny Taft was born on September 5, 1987 in [[Edina, Minnesota]].<ref>{{cite podcast|url=http://worstbirthday.com/worst-birthday-103-jenny-taft-september-5th/|title=Worst Birthday 103, Jenny Taft, September 5th|website=Worst Birthday|host=[[Michael Kosta]]|date=September 7, 2017|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref><ref name=McGuire2012>{{cite web|last=McGuire|first=Mary|url=https://edinamag.com/article/edina-high-school/edinas-fox-sports-north-girls|title=Edina's Fox Sports North Girls|work=Edina|date=March 2012|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> She attended [[Edina High School]].<ref name=Griggs2014>{{cite web|last=Griggs|first=Halley Quillinan|url=https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/where-are-they-now-boston-university-s-jenny-taft/29789|title=Where Are They Now? Boston University's Jenny Taft|work=[[Inside Lacrosse]]|date=September 23, 2014|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> Taft then attended [[Boston University]], where she played lacrosse.<ref name=FeeVanni2013>{{cite web|last1=Fee|first1=Gayle|last2=Vanni|first2=Olivia|url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2013/08/19/the-lowdown-fox-sports-1-jenny-taft-regis-philbin-and-more/|title=The Lowdown: Fox Sports 1, Jenny Taft, Regis Philbin and more…|work=[[Boston Herald]]|date=August 19, 2013|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> She majored in Broadcast Journalism and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 2010.<ref name=Griggs2014/> Taft speaks French fluently.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=529808515708112896|user=JennyTaft|title=@Disch_InTheVOX I speak fluent French...|date=5 November 2014}}</ref>
Taft was born on September 5, 1987, in [[Edina, Minnesota]].<ref>{{cite podcast|url=http://worstbirthday.com/worst-birthday-103-jenny-taft-september-5th/|title=Worst Birthday 103, Jenny Taft, September 5th|website=Worst Birthday|host=[[Michael Kosta]]|date=September 7, 2017|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref><ref name=McGuire2012>{{cite web|last=McGuire|first=Mary|url=https://edinamag.com/article/edina-high-school/edinas-fox-sports-north-girls|title=Edina's Fox Sports North Girls|work=Edina|date=March 2012|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> She attended [[Edina High School]].<ref name=Griggs2014>{{cite web|last=Griggs|first=Halley Quillinan|url=https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/where-are-they-now-boston-university-s-jenny-taft/29789|title=Where Are They Now? Boston University's Jenny Taft|work=[[Inside Lacrosse]]|date=September 23, 2014|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> Taft then attended [[Boston University]], where she played lacrosse.<ref name=FeeVanni2013>{{cite web|last1=Fee|first1=Gayle|last2=Vanni|first2=Olivia|url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2013/08/19/the-lowdown-fox-sports-1-jenny-taft-regis-philbin-and-more/|title=The Lowdown: Fox Sports 1, Jenny Taft, Regis Philbin and more…|work=[[Boston Herald]]|date=August 19, 2013|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> She majored in Broadcast Journalism and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 2010.<ref name=Griggs2014/>


==Broadcasting career==
==Broadcasting career==
===Fox Sports North===
===Fox Sports North===
Taft's broadcasting career began with Fox Sports in 2011.<ref name=MaglioMaas2018>{{cite web|last1=Maaglio|first1=Tony|last2=Maas|first2=Jennifer|url=https://www.thewrap.com/fox-sports-joy-taylor-leaves-skip-and-shannon-the-herd-jenny-taft-undisputed-moderator/|title=Joy Taylor Leaves FS1's 'Skip and Shannon' for 'The Herd'; Jenny Taft Named New 'Undisputed' Moderator|work=[[TheWrap]]|date=June 7, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> This early period of her career saw her fill a "Fox Sports Girl" role,<ref name=ST2015>{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/sunday-q-a-fsn-alum-jenny-taft-is-working-world-cup/306397871/|title=Sunday Q&A: FSN alum Jenny Taft is working World Cup|work=[[Star Tribune]]|date=June 6, 2015|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> as she served as a [[Fox Sports North]] [[sideline reporter]] for the [[Minnesota Lynx]] of the [[WNBA]].<ref name=Justin2013>{{cite web|last=Justin|first=Neal|url=http://www.startribune.com/jenny-taft-leaving-fsnorth-for-fox-sports-1/221536941/|title=Lynx reporter gets big promotion|work=[[Star Tribune]]|date=August 29, 2013|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref><ref name=foxsports2013>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/north/story/jenny-taft-to-join-fox-sports-lives-news-update-team-082813|title=Jenny Taft to join FOX Sports Live’s news update team|work=[[Fox Sports North]]|publisher=[[FoxSports.com|Fox Sports]]|date=August 28, 2013|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> During her time as an FSN Girl, she was also a [[social media]] [[Social media marketing#Social media marketing in sport|contributor]] for Minnesota's [[Minnesota Timberwolves|Timberwolves]], [[Minnesota Twins|Twins]], and [[Minnesota Wild|Wild]] sports teams, as well as an in-stadium/arena host at Twins and Wild games.<ref name=foxsports2013/> Taft attributed her success later in her career in part due to getting on-camera repetitions at FSN.<ref name=Rand2021>{{cite web|last=Rand|first=Michael|url=https://www.startribune.com/edinas-jenny-taft-from-fsn-north-girl-to-a-big-role-at-fox-sports-1/600092977/|title=Edina's Jenny Taft: From 'FSN Girl' to a big role at Fox Sports 1|work=[[Star Tribune]]|date=September 1, 2021|accessdate=September 29, 2021}}</ref>
Taft's broadcasting career began with Fox Sports in 2011.<ref name=MaglioMaas2018>{{cite web|last1=Maaglio|first1=Tony|last2=Maas|first2=Jennifer|url=https://www.thewrap.com/fox-sports-joy-taylor-leaves-skip-and-shannon-the-herd-jenny-taft-undisputed-moderator/|title=Joy Taylor Leaves FS1's 'Skip and Shannon' for 'The Herd'; Jenny Taft Named New 'Undisputed' Moderator|work=[[TheWrap]]|date=June 7, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> This early period of her career saw her fill a "Fox Sports Girl" role,<ref name=ST2015>{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/sunday-q-a-fsn-alum-jenny-taft-is-working-world-cup/306397871/|title=Sunday Q&A: FSN alum Jenny Taft is working World Cup|work=[[Star Tribune]]|date=June 6, 2015|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> as she served as a [[Fox Sports North]] [[sideline reporter]] for the [[Minnesota Lynx]] of the [[WNBA]].<ref name=Justin2013>{{cite web|last=Justin|first=Neal|url=http://www.startribune.com/jenny-taft-leaving-fsnorth-for-fox-sports-1/221536941/|title=Lynx reporter gets big promotion|work=[[Star Tribune]]|date=August 29, 2013|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref><ref name=foxsports2013>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/north/story/jenny-taft-to-join-fox-sports-lives-news-update-team-082813|title=Jenny Taft to join FOX Sports Live's news update team|work=[[Fox Sports North]]|publisher=[[FoxSports.com|Fox Sports]]|date=August 28, 2013|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> During her time as an FSN Girl, she was also a [[social media]] [[Social media marketing#Social media marketing in sport|contributor]] for Minnesota's [[Minnesota Timberwolves|Timberwolves]], [[Minnesota Twins|Twins]], and [[Minnesota Wild|Wild]] sports teams, as well as an in-stadium/arena host at Twins and Wild games.<ref name=foxsports2013/> Taft attributed her success later in her career in part due to getting on-camera repetitions at FSN.<ref name=Rand2021>{{cite web|last=Rand|first=Michael|url=https://www.startribune.com/edinas-jenny-taft-from-fsn-north-girl-to-a-big-role-at-fox-sports-1/600092977/|title=Edina's Jenny Taft: From 'FSN Girl' to a big role at Fox Sports 1|work=[[Star Tribune]]|date=September 1, 2021|accessdate=September 29, 2021}}</ref>


===Fox Sports 1===
===Fox Sports 1===
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Taft got her start in [[college football]] reporting in 2014, as part of FS1's game coverage.<ref name=PressPassBio/> In 2017, Taft was elevated to lead college football sideline reporter, alongside [[Sports commentator#Main/play-by-play commentator|play-by-play commentator]] [[Gus Johnson (sportscaster)|Gus Johnson]] and [[color commentator|analyst]] [[Joel Klatt]].<ref name=Pryor2017>{{cite web|last=Pryor|first=Brooke|url=https://newsok.com/article/5571824/qa-with-fox-sideline-reporter-jenny-taft|title=Q&A with Fox sideline reporter Jenny Taft|work=[[The Oklahoman|NewsOK]]|date=November 11, 2017|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref><ref name=McCarthy2018>{{cite web|last=McCarthy|first=Michael|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/us/other-sports/news/jenny-taft-fs1-skip-bayless-shannon-sharpe-undisputed-joy-taylor-the-herd-with-colin-cowherd-fox-sports-kristine-leahy/1drloxwvuzkd414l8pqnj90zb4|title=FS1 is bringing in Jenny Taft to moderate Skip Bayless, Shannon Sharpe on 'Undisputed'|work=[[Sporting News]]|date=June 7, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> Her role at FS1 expanded considerably, as she has additionally covered the [[NFL]], [[MLB]], and the [[Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show]].<ref name=MaglioMaas2018/>
Taft got her start in [[college football]] reporting in 2014, as part of FS1's game coverage.<ref name=PressPassBio/> In 2017, Taft was elevated to lead college football sideline reporter, alongside [[Sports commentator#Main/play-by-play commentator|play-by-play commentator]] [[Gus Johnson (sportscaster)|Gus Johnson]] and [[color commentator|analyst]] [[Joel Klatt]].<ref name=Pryor2017>{{cite web|last=Pryor|first=Brooke|url=https://newsok.com/article/5571824/qa-with-fox-sideline-reporter-jenny-taft|title=Q&A with Fox sideline reporter Jenny Taft|work=[[The Oklahoman|NewsOK]]|date=November 11, 2017|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref><ref name=McCarthy2018>{{cite web|last=McCarthy|first=Michael|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/us/other-sports/news/jenny-taft-fs1-skip-bayless-shannon-sharpe-undisputed-joy-taylor-the-herd-with-colin-cowherd-fox-sports-kristine-leahy/1drloxwvuzkd414l8pqnj90zb4|title=FS1 is bringing in Jenny Taft to moderate Skip Bayless, Shannon Sharpe on 'Undisputed'|work=[[Sporting News]]|date=June 7, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> Her role at FS1 expanded considerably, as she has additionally covered the [[NFL]], [[MLB]], and the [[Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show]].<ref name=MaglioMaas2018/>


In 2018, she served as a fill-in host and moderator on various [[Fox Sports 1#News and analysis programming|FS1 programs]].<ref name=PressPassBio/> That summer, it was announced that Taft would be succeeding [[Joy Taylor]] as the moderator of ''[[Skip and Shannon: Undisputed]]'', hosted by [[Skip Bayless]] and [[Shannon Sharpe]].<ref name=MaglioMaas2018/><ref name=Koster2018>{{cite web|last=Koster|first=Kyle|url=https://thebiglead.com/2018/08/31/jenny-taft-inside-slant-fs1/|title=Jenny Taft to Host Weekly College Football Show on FS1|work=[[The Big Lead]]|date=August 31, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> Shortly after, on September 5, FS1 debuted ''CFB: Inside Slant'', a weekly college football show hosted by Taft.<ref name=Koster2018/> Despite taking on these new positions at FS1, she retained her college football sideline reporting duties for the [[2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2018 season]].<ref name=Koster2018/> In 2020, she was a sideline reporter for [[Fox Sports]]' coverage of [[XFL (2020)|XFL]] games.<ref name="Taft and Huard join XFL Broadcast">{{cite web|url=https://barrettsportsmedia.com/2020/02/07/jenny-taft-brock-huard-join-fox-xfl-broadcasts/|author=BSM Staff|title=Jenny Taft & Brock Huard Join Fox XFL Broadcasts|website=barrettsportsmedia.com|date=7 February 2020|access-date=9 March 2020}}</ref> In 2022, Taft signed an extension at [[Fox Sports]] but left ''[[Skip and Shannon: Undisputed]]'' after going on maternity leave in February.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2022/01/11/jenny-taft-gets-new-fox-sports-deal-plan-to-exit-undisputed/|author=Ryan Glasspiegel|title=Jenny Taft expected to leave 'Undisputed' with new Fox Sports deal|website=nypost.com|accessdate=28 June 2022}}</ref> Taft also got into a verbal dispute on air with [[Skip Bayless]] after Bayless made critical comments about [[Dallas Cowboys]]' coach [[Mike McCarthy]] based on his body weight and appearance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/skip-bayless-slammed-criticizing-mike-mccarthy-physical-appearance-weight-large-fat-shame-1618621|title=Fox Sports Host Slams Skip Bayless for Criticizing Mike McCarthy's Physical Appearance|last=Cancian|first=Dan|publisher=[[Newsweek]]|quote="So, I don't think that's a fair shot. [...] And I'm allowed to have an opinion, Skip. I am allowed to say whatever I want to say on this show, as you do, too."|date=August 12, 2021|accessdate=October 20, 2022}}</ref>
In 2018, she served as a fill-in host and moderator on various [[Fox Sports 1#News and analysis programming|FS1 programs]].<ref name=PressPassBio/> That summer, it was announced that Taft would be succeeding [[Joy Taylor]] as the moderator of ''[[Skip and Shannon: Undisputed]]'', hosted by [[Skip Bayless]] and [[Shannon Sharpe]].<ref name=MaglioMaas2018/><ref name=Koster2018>{{cite web|last=Koster|first=Kyle|url=https://thebiglead.com/2018/08/31/jenny-taft-inside-slant-fs1/|title=Jenny Taft to Host Weekly College Football Show on FS1|work=[[The Big Lead]]|date=August 31, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> Shortly after, on September 5, FS1 debuted ''CFB: Inside Slant'', a weekly college football show hosted by Taft.<ref name=Koster2018/> Despite taking on these new positions at FS1, she retained her college football sideline reporting duties for the [[2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2018 season]].<ref name=Koster2018/> In 2020, she was a sideline reporter for [[Fox Sports]]' coverage of [[XFL (2020)|XFL]] games.<ref name="Taft and Huard join XFL Broadcast">{{cite web|url=https://barrettsportsmedia.com/2020/02/07/jenny-taft-brock-huard-join-fox-xfl-broadcasts/|author=BSM Staff|title=Jenny Taft & Brock Huard Join Fox XFL Broadcasts|website=barrettsportsmedia.com|date=7 February 2020|access-date=9 March 2020}}</ref> In 2022, Taft signed an extension at [[Fox Sports]] but left ''[[Skip and Shannon: Undisputed]]'' after going on maternity leave in February.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2022/01/11/jenny-taft-gets-new-fox-sports-deal-plan-to-exit-undisputed/|author=Ryan Glasspiegel|title=Jenny Taft expected to leave 'Undisputed' with new Fox Sports deal|website=nypost.com|date=11 January 2022 |accessdate=28 June 2022}}</ref> Taft also got into a verbal dispute on air with [[Skip Bayless]] after Bayless made critical comments about [[Dallas Cowboys]]' coach [[Mike McCarthy]] based on his body weight and appearance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/skip-bayless-slammed-criticizing-mike-mccarthy-physical-appearance-weight-large-fat-shame-1618621|title=Fox Sports Host Slams Skip Bayless for Criticizing Mike McCarthy's Physical Appearance|last=Cancian|first=Dan|publisher=[[Newsweek]]|quote="So, I don't think that's a fair shot. [...] And I'm allowed to have an opinion, Skip. I am allowed to say whatever I want to say on this show, as you do, too."|date=August 12, 2021|accessdate=October 20, 2022}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Taft is the daughter of [[John Taft (ice hockey)|John Taft]], a former professional [[ice hockey]] [[defenceman|defenseman]] and member of the [[United States men's national ice hockey team]] at the [[1976 Winter Olympics]].<ref name=Allen2017>{{cite web|last=Allen|first=Matt|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2017/11/11/matt-gilroy-olympics-team-usa-nhl-jenny-taft-hockey/855310001/|title=Matt Gilroy, thriving in the KHL, now expected to become go-to player for U.S. Olympic team|work=[[USA Today]]|date=November 11, 2017|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> In 2015, Taft married [[Matt Gilroy]], also a former [[NHL]] defenseman.<ref name=Allen2017/> On December 4, 2021, Taft revealed that she was pregnant with a due date the following March.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefocus.news/celebrity/jenny-taft-pregnant/|title = Fox Sports' Jenny Taft confirms she's pregnant with husband Matt|date = 5 December 2021}}</ref>
Taft is the daughter of [[John Taft (ice hockey)|John Taft]], a former professional [[ice hockey]] [[defenceman|defenseman]] and member of the [[United States men's national ice hockey team]] at the [[1976 Winter Olympics]].<ref name=Allen2017>{{cite web|last=Allen|first=Matt|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2017/11/11/matt-gilroy-olympics-team-usa-nhl-jenny-taft-hockey/855310001/|title=Matt Gilroy, thriving in the KHL, now expected to become go-to player for U.S. Olympic team|work=[[USA Today]]|date=November 11, 2017|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> In 2015, Taft married [[Matt Gilroy]], also a former [[NHL]] defenseman.<ref name=Allen2017/> On December 4, 2021, Taft revealed that she was pregnant with a due date the following March.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefocus.news/celebrity/jenny-taft-pregnant/|title = Fox Sports' Jenny Taft confirms she's pregnant with husband Matt|date =December 5, 2021}}</ref> Taft speaks French fluently.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=529808515708112896|user=JennyTaft|title=@Disch_InTheVOX I speak fluent French...|date=November 5, 2014}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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{{Major League Baseball on Fox}}
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[[Category:American television reporters and correspondents]]
[[Category:American television reporters and correspondents]]
[[Category:American women sportswriters]]
[[Category:American women sportswriters]]
[[Category:Boston University Terriers women's lacrosse players]]
[[Category:Boston University Terriers athletes]]
[[Category:College women's lacrosse players in the United States]]
[[Category:College basketball announcers in the United States]]
[[Category:College basketball announcers in the United States]]
[[Category:College football announcers]]
[[Category:College football announcers]]
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[[Category:Sportspeople from Edina, Minnesota]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Edina, Minnesota]]
[[Category:Women's National Basketball Association announcers]]
[[Category:Women's National Basketball Association announcers]]
[[Category:Women sports announcers]]
[[Category:Women baseball announcers]]
[[Category:Women sports commentators]]
[[Category:XFL (2020–2023) broadcasters]]
[[Category:XFL (2020) broadcasters]]

Revision as of 00:34, 15 July 2024

Jenny Taft
Taft in 2022
Born (1987-09-05) September 5, 1987 (age 37)
Edina, Minnesota
EducationBoston University
Occupation(s)Sports television personality
Sideline reporter
Years active2011–present
Notable creditSkip and Shannon: Undisputed
Spouse
​
(m. 2015)​
Children1

Jenny Taft (born September 5, 1987) is an American sports television personality who served as the moderator on Fox Sports 1's Undisputed. Taft additionally works as a lead college football sideline reporter on Fox broadcasts. Her broadcasting career began with the Fox Sports North (FSN) regional affiliate. Taft is also a pit reporter for BattleBots on the Discovery channel.

Early years

Taft was born on September 5, 1987, in Edina, Minnesota.[1][2] She attended Edina High School.[3] Taft then attended Boston University, where she played lacrosse.[4] She majored in Broadcast Journalism and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 2010.[3]

Broadcasting career

Fox Sports North

Taft's broadcasting career began with Fox Sports in 2011.[5] This early period of her career saw her fill a "Fox Sports Girl" role,[6] as she served as a Fox Sports North sideline reporter for the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA.[7][8] During her time as an FSN Girl, she was also a social media contributor for Minnesota's Timberwolves, Twins, and Wild sports teams, as well as an in-stadium/arena host at Twins and Wild games.[8] Taft attributed her success later in her career in part due to getting on-camera repetitions at FSN.[9]

Fox Sports 1

In August 2013, she was promoted to join FS1's news and highlights update team.[7] She served as a track reporter for a 2013 Supercross event, which was her debut assignment at FS1.[10] She also served as a reporter for the U.S. women's national soccer team at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.[6][10]

Taft got her start in college football reporting in 2014, as part of FS1's game coverage.[10] In 2017, Taft was elevated to lead college football sideline reporter, alongside play-by-play commentator Gus Johnson and analyst Joel Klatt.[11][12] Her role at FS1 expanded considerably, as she has additionally covered the NFL, MLB, and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.[5]

In 2018, she served as a fill-in host and moderator on various FS1 programs.[10] That summer, it was announced that Taft would be succeeding Joy Taylor as the moderator of Skip and Shannon: Undisputed, hosted by Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe.[5][13] Shortly after, on September 5, FS1 debuted CFB: Inside Slant, a weekly college football show hosted by Taft.[13] Despite taking on these new positions at FS1, she retained her college football sideline reporting duties for the 2018 season.[13] In 2020, she was a sideline reporter for Fox Sports' coverage of XFL games.[14] In 2022, Taft signed an extension at Fox Sports but left Skip and Shannon: Undisputed after going on maternity leave in February.[15] Taft also got into a verbal dispute on air with Skip Bayless after Bayless made critical comments about Dallas Cowboys' coach Mike McCarthy based on his body weight and appearance.[16]

Personal life

Taft is the daughter of John Taft, a former professional ice hockey defenseman and member of the United States men's national ice hockey team at the 1976 Winter Olympics.[17] In 2015, Taft married Matt Gilroy, also a former NHL defenseman.[17] On December 4, 2021, Taft revealed that she was pregnant with a due date the following March.[18] Taft speaks French fluently.[19]

References

  1. ^ Michael Kosta (September 7, 2017). "Worst Birthday 103, Jenny Taft, September 5th". Worst Birthday (Podcast). Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  2. ^ McGuire, Mary (March 2012). "Edina's Fox Sports North Girls". Edina. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  3. ^ a b Griggs, Halley Quillinan (September 23, 2014). "Where Are They Now? Boston University's Jenny Taft". Inside Lacrosse. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  4. ^ Fee, Gayle; Vanni, Olivia (August 19, 2013). "The Lowdown: Fox Sports 1, Jenny Taft, Regis Philbin and more…". Boston Herald. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  5. ^ a b c Maaglio, Tony; Maas, Jennifer (June 7, 2018). "Joy Taylor Leaves FS1's 'Skip and Shannon' for 'The Herd'; Jenny Taft Named New 'Undisputed' Moderator". TheWrap. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  6. ^ a b "Sunday Q&A: FSN alum Jenny Taft is working World Cup". Star Tribune. June 6, 2015. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  7. ^ a b Justin, Neal (August 29, 2013). "Lynx reporter gets big promotion". Star Tribune. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  8. ^ a b "Jenny Taft to join FOX Sports Live's news update team". Fox Sports North. Fox Sports. August 28, 2013. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  9. ^ Rand, Michael (September 1, 2021). "Edina's Jenny Taft: From 'FSN Girl' to a big role at Fox Sports 1". Star Tribune. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  10. ^ a b c d "Jenny Taft | Fox Sports PressPass". Fox Sports PressPass. Fox Sports. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  11. ^ Pryor, Brooke (November 11, 2017). "Q&A with Fox sideline reporter Jenny Taft". NewsOK. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  12. ^ McCarthy, Michael (June 7, 2018). "FS1 is bringing in Jenny Taft to moderate Skip Bayless, Shannon Sharpe on 'Undisputed'". Sporting News. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  13. ^ a b c Koster, Kyle (August 31, 2018). "Jenny Taft to Host Weekly College Football Show on FS1". The Big Lead. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  14. ^ BSM Staff (7 February 2020). "Jenny Taft & Brock Huard Join Fox XFL Broadcasts". barrettsportsmedia.com. Retrieved 9 March 2020.
  15. ^ Ryan Glasspiegel (11 January 2022). "Jenny Taft expected to leave 'Undisputed' with new Fox Sports deal". nypost.com. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  16. ^ Cancian, Dan (August 12, 2021). "Fox Sports Host Slams Skip Bayless for Criticizing Mike McCarthy's Physical Appearance". Newsweek. Retrieved October 20, 2022. So, I don't think that's a fair shot. [...] And I'm allowed to have an opinion, Skip. I am allowed to say whatever I want to say on this show, as you do, too.
  17. ^ a b Allen, Matt (November 11, 2017). "Matt Gilroy, thriving in the KHL, now expected to become go-to player for U.S. Olympic team". USA Today. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  18. ^ "Fox Sports' Jenny Taft confirms she's pregnant with husband Matt". December 5, 2021.
  19. ^ @JennyTaft (November 5, 2014). "@Disch_InTheVOX I speak fluent French..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.


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