For all the times the debate between Skip and Shanon looks like boiling over, Jenny Taft was there to calm things down. The three formed an incredible trio over the years. From taking on hot debates in the NBA to finding the truth behind rumors in the NFL, the trio did not shy away from exploring the world of sports. Equipped with his years of experience as a sportswriter, Skip takes on the football Hall of Fame inductee Shanon. And while the discussion may move around Skip and Shanon, Jenny’s presence at the table could be felt. Quipping in with witty remarks from time to time, Jenny kept the debate light-hearted and makes sure nobody takes anything negative from the discussion. However, she left the Undisputed in February 2022 after going on maternity leave. She is still signed at Fox Network and focused on other projects. In this article, we take a closer look at the biography of Jenny Taft.

Early Life

Jenny Taft was born on the 5th of September 1987 in Edina, Minnesota. Jenny was born into a sporting family and her parents are well-known figures in their respective sports.  Her father, John Taft, was a professional ice hockey defenseman who played for the Detroit Red Wings and represented the United States in the 1976 Winter Olympics and Ice Hockey World Championship. Her mother, Mary Taft, was a speed skater who competed at a high level. Jenny also has a brother named Charlie Taft, who followed his father’s footsteps and played collegiate-level hockey.

Growing up in such a sporty environment, Jenny developed a love for various sports, including hockey, lacrosse, tennis, and soccer. She excelled in academics as well and graduated from Edina High School with a good GPA. She then attended Boston University, where she majored in Broadcast Journalism and played lacrosse for the university team. She also learned to speak French fluently during her college years.

Jenny’s family and siblings have always been supportive of her career choices and aspirations. They encouraged her to pursue her dream of becoming a sports broadcaster and helped her along the way. Jenny credits her family for instilling in her the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance that have made her successful in her field. She also shares a close bond with her brother Charlie, who is one of her best friends and confidants.

Professional Career

Jenny joined the FOX network in 2011 and served as the sideline reporter for the Minnesota Lynx. After covering several Minessota-based teams for over two years, Jenny was promoted to Fox Sports 1. During her initial years, Jenny worked as a track reporter for the Supercross event. Having worked in college football since 2014, Jenny’s name was first on the list to cover the journey of the US Women’s National Soccer Team in the FIFA World Cup. She was later given the position of lead college football sideline reporter in 2017. Throughout 2018, Jenny appeared on numerous shows and was Fox Sports’s got-to-person whenever they needed someone to fill in. 

In the summer of 2018, Fox announced that Jenny would be the new moderator of Skip and Shannon: Undisputed. This came after the previous moderator Joy Taylor decided to leave the show. Her chemistry with Shanon and Skip was on point. She was later given the green light for her show, CFB: Inside Slant on the 5th of September, 2018. Here is a brief timeline of Jenny Taft’s professional career:

• 2011: She started working with Fox Sports as a Fox Sports Girl and a sideline reporter for Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA.
• 2013: She joined FS1 as a news and highlights update team member and a track reporter for a Supercross event.
• 2014: She made her college football reporting debut as part of FS1’s game coverage.
• 2015: She married Matt Gilroy, an ice-hockey player, on June 5. She also served as a reporter for the U.S. women’s national soccer team at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
• 2017: She became the lead college football sideline reporter for Fox broadcasts, alongside Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt.
• 2018: She served as a reporter for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and moderated the show Skip and Shannon: Undisputed on FS1. She also hosted CFB: Inside Slant, a weekly college football show on FS1.
• 2019: She reported from the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France and showcased the host nation in a series of features.
• 2020: She was a sideline reporter for Fox Sports’ coverage of XFL games.
• 2022: She signed an extension at Fox Sports but left Skip and Shannon: Undisputed after going on maternity leave in February. She also got into a verbal dispute with Skip Bayless on air over his comments about Mike McCarthy.

Net Worth

From her early days as a player to making her career as a spokesperson, Jenny has come a long way. She also has a big heart and focuses on charities mostly on the ones that work for endangered animals. As of 2023, Jenny has an estimated net worth of USD $3 million. 

Personal Life

Jenny Taft is a sports journalist and host who has covered some of the most thrilling events in the world of sports. But behind the scenes, she is also a loving wife and a mother who enjoys spending time with her family and friends. 

Marriage & Children

Taft married her college sweetheart, Matt Gilroy, in 2015. Matt is a former professional hockey player who now works as a financial advisor. They are a perfect match for each other, as they both share a love of sports and journalism. They met at Boston University, where they were both college athletes. Jenny played lacrosse, while Matt played hockey and won the Hobey Baker award as the best player in NCAA Division I. They got married in 2015 in a private ceremony. Over the years they have supported each other’s careers, even when Matt had to play overseas in Russia, Switzerland, and South Korea. They also enjoy traveling and exploring different cultures together. In December 2021, they announced that they were expecting their first child, a baby girl named Gigi who was born in March 2022. Jenny and Matt are a happy couple who have a strong bond based on mutual respect, admiration, and affection.

Physical Traits & Dressing Style

Jenny Taft has a bright smile and expressive eyes that convey her passion and enthusiasm for sports. Her blonde hair is usually styled in a sleek ponytail or a loose wave, depending on the occasion. She has a fit and athletic physique, as she was a former lacrosse player at Boston University. She stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches and weighs around 64 kg.

Jenny’s dressing style reflects her professionalism and confidence. She often wears tailored suits, blazers, and dresses in solid colors or subtle patterns. She favors shades of blue, black, white, and gray, as they complement her fair complexion and blonde hair. She accessorizes with simple jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, and rings. She also wears high heels or boots to enhance her height and posture. Jenny Taft’s wardrobe choices are appropriate for the various roles she performs for FOX Sports, whether as a moderator, host, or reporter. She always looks polished and elegant on camera, while maintaining her own personality and flair.

Personality Traits

Jenny Taft was born on September 5, 1987, under the sign of Virgo. This sign endows her with a range of admirable qualities that have contributed to her success and versatility in the field of sports broadcasting. As a Virgo, she possesses a capable, organized and analytical mind that enables her to engage in stimulating conversations on various sports topics. She has demonstrated her proficiency and adaptability in performing multiple roles for FOX Sports, such as moderating, hosting, and reporting. She has also showcased her extensive knowledge and experience in covering major sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup and the XFL games.

Jenny Taft is also a hardworking, diligent and perfectionist Virgo, who strives for excellence in her career. She has a strong work ethic and a high standard of quality that reflect in her professional achievements. She has been working with FOX Sports since 2011 and has recently signed an extension in 2022, indicating her commitment and loyalty to the network. She is also a practical, reliable and loyal person, who values trust and honesty in her personal and professional relationships.

Jenny Taft’s Virgo nature also makes her modest, humble and respectful. She does not seek to draw attention or praise to herself, but rather focuses on the topics and guests on her show. She is a graceful moderator and interviewer, who treats everyone with courtesy and dignity. She is also a critical, meticulous and detail-oriented person, who pays attention to the nuances and subtleties of the sports she covers. She delivers insightful commentary and analysis that reveal her keen observation and reporting skills.

Wiki/Bio Facts

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