Our exclusive interview with stunning NFL Network Anchor/Reporter Taylor Bisciotti. The fearless female leader in sports, has already made her mark as the youngest on-air talent the NFL Network has ever hired. As a journalist, she is shaping the world of sports reporting by not only telling fans tales of triumph on the turf, but also the unique stories behind the players – making them overall more relatable and lovable.
Taylor was born with a passion for sports running through her veins. As the youngest and only girl in the family as she has an older brother and male cousins, football was the universal language of her close-knit family. Growing up in Atlanta, GA (home to SEC football), Sundays were always her favorite day of the week, as her family would come together to watch games. After attending the University Of Georgia, Taylor jumped right into her dream career working as the Sideline Reporter for the SEC Network and ESPN, and then as a Host for Sporting News. With her shining all-star talent, the NFL Network was quick to recruit her as an Anchor/Reporter – making her not only a rare breed as a female leader in sports, but also the youngest on-air talent the NFL Network has ever hired.
Hi Taylor, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Went to the Lovett School and onto the University of Georgia. I graduated with a bachelor degree from the Terry Business School for Marketing, as well as a bachelor degree in Digital and Broadcast Journalism from the Grady College of Journalism. I moved out to Los Angeles 2 and a half years ago to take a job with NFL Network.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
My mom has definitely been the biggest influence in my life … she’s my other half. She made me feel like the world was my oyster and if I put my heart and soul into what I wanted, I could get there. I would not be where I am today without her. She is also my biggest critic. It’s funny because when I was growing up people, often thought it was unhealthy because she was just as much my friend and go-to person as she was my mom. I never felt like I had to hide things from her because she would always approach situations with me as if we were working through it together, not like she was going to be a disciplinarian. I hope when I have a daughter I can be the same way to with her. If I grow up to be half the woman my mom is, I would be very happy. My dad is also a huge influence. My dad worked out of our home, and after school I would go to his office and just listen to him conducting business on the phone. I learned so much about his integrity and character. He has been supportive of my dreams and career choices and has taught me to not sweat the small stuff – and I try! Even if I’m having the worst day and I feel like my world is caving in on me, I know the moment I talk with him he will make me forget my problems. He helps me put perspective on issues I’m facing and that is important. He always has time to talk and to help me with anything. I feel very blessed to have grown up with such an amazing family.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Kind, hardworking, compassionate
What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?
There have been so many. The biggest highlight would probably be getting hired at NFL Network and moving out to Los Angeles by myself. I was scared to death. I signed a lease while I was living in Atlanta, I hadn’t seen the apartment I was moving to in Santa Monica, and I moved out to LA the morning of my first day.
Where did you studied?
University of Georgia! Go dawgs!
Given sports reporting has is typically male-dominated, what advice have you gotten from other female sports reporters?
Fight for what you want, really know your stuff, and all it takes is one great opportunity.
Did you always want to be a sports reporter?
No! I was an accounting major. I never thought my career would take a turn like this. I was in my final year of accounting and realized that if I went through with it I would be living a life that I wouldn’t love. I love sports. I love story telling. I love the opportunity to share the stories of others, especially the adversity it took for some of them to get where they are today. I also love entertaining and sports has all of that. It brings people together. It definitely brings my family together and to be able to work in a field that I love so much is a dream come true.
What advice would you give someone else looking to have a career as a TV sports reporter?
Don’t give up. There’s going to be 99 bad days but the good day will make it all worth it.
Which is your favorite team?
College: Georgia Bulldogs. NFL: all 32 😉
Who has been your favorite player to interview? Why?
That’s a tough question because I can’t name one player. Every player and interview is so different and they all have unique stories to tell. Quite honestly, I love each interview for different reasons.
Do you get nervous before an interview?
Sometimes! If I feel a little nervous I always take a step back. I ask myself, “why am I nervous? They are about to answer questions!” I remind myself that we all tie our shoes the same way and we are all just people. No reason to be nervous, but instead get excited about learning someone else’s story. Everyone has a neat story to share, it’s my job to find and tell it.
What is fun and rewarding thing about being a sports reporter?
I love the opportunity to give viewers news or a story they otherwise didn’t know. Every single person has one. No one has gotten to where they are without adversity, especially the level these players are at. Like I mentioned earlier, sports is unique in that it brings families, cities and more together. The competition, rivalries and passion is great…all American! It’s America’s pastime.
Who will be at this season SuperBowl? And who will win it?
That’s a tough question this early! Obviously, so much happens during the season with injuries and so forth, but I’m going to say the Jaguars and the Packers. (My answer will change weekly!)
What’s your favorite way to watch a game? At home, at the stadium or from the tailgate?
At home or in the stadium… tailgates are too loud and I can’t focus enough on what I’m watching!
How would you describe your fashion style?
Jeans and white tee during the week. I love basic, easy, comfortable, classic style. For events I love trying something new and bold.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I don’t even know where I see myself next month! I know I would eventually love to host my own daily show that combines sports, news & entertainment.
What music do you like?
All music. I switch it up all the time. Looking at my playlist, I listen to everything from oldies, pop, rock, alt rock, rap, electronic. I’m all over the board.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Sushi!
And your favorite cheat food?
Anything chocolate, and of course ice cream.
What are your makeup bag staples when traveling?
Becca highlighter, Armani foundation, Tom Ford pen eyeliner, black mascara, powder and lip gloss. I have a bad habit of biting my lips so I always try and have lip gloss on so it reminds me to stop biting.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
My cell phone, a portable charger and Chapstick.
Please list 3 designers who you like the most?
AG, Alice & Olivia, A.L.C, …. (I’m only in the A’s of the alphabet… I have way too many favorites to narrow it down to 3!)
What’s your favorite quote?
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” My grandmother’s quote.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Wake up, get a yummy breakfast, go workout on the beach and get home before the first football game kicks off. I live on the west coast so games kick off early.
Do you support any charities?
I do… one charity that I love is The Ronald McDonald House through Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. In the past, they have partnered with a local Atlanta boutique called “Tootsies” and host a fashion show, and it’s been at our house in Atlanta a few times. The fashion show is a luncheon and it’s a part of the Brookhaven Candlelight Tour of Homes. The money raised is used on medical equipment as well as housing for the families to stay in while their child are undergoing treatment.
What do you think of social media?
I think it has its pros and cons. If you’re having a bad day, don’t go on it! Unfortunately, it’s a place where everyone else’s life seems perfect – perfect picture, perfect filter and that’s exactly what it is. It’s a filter of what people want you to see. You never see posts on Instagram of a person’s bad day or without the perfect smile, or with a facial mask binging your favorite Netflix show in your onesie, 2 pints of Ben and Jerry’s deep. You only see the happiest and most glamorous parts of people and that can be unhealthy. As for the positives, it has the ability to connect people that would have never been connected, and it gives a voice to each and every one of us.
Oh, and I’m a weirdo and now can’t go to a restaurant without looking up all the dishes on Instagram to know if I’m ordering the right thing. Clearly, I care way too much about food 🙂
Where our readers can follow you?
Twitter: @TaylorBisciotti
Instagram: @TKBisciotti
Facebook: Taylor Bisciotti
Song: I just got back from the Taylor Swift concert so right now anything T-Swizzle
Movie/TV Series: Curb your enthusiasm
Book: changes all the time… I’m currently reading The Girl in The Ice
Travel Destination: anywhere new! I love exploring the world. During the offseason I would love to travel the world and experience new cultures, foods, places. Everywhere has a story.
Drink: Spicy jalapeño margarita
