Women Raise the Game honors Taylor Rooks; Jermaine Dupri performs

Honor means a lot to fellow Georgia native

By Rashad Milligan
Feb 13, 2024
7:13 pm

Taylor Rooks is hardly home but is always repping.

The national sports reporter, best known now for her sideline gig with “Thursday Night Football” on Amazon Prime and her sit-down interviews at Bleacher Report, is constantly on the road. However, wherever she is, she makes it known she’s from Gwinnett County, Georgia.

During Super Bowl LVIII week in Las Vegas, Rooks was recognized for her efforts in sports media through the years at an event featuring music legend, and proud Atlantan, Jermaine Dupri. Laura Warner, Sammy Schuster, Holly Robinson Peete, and Zaileen Janmohamed were also acknowledged at the event.

“This event is a tribute to the women whose tireless efforts have often gone unnoticed, yet they are the pillars of success within the NFL — shaping players’ careers, steering organizations, and driving impactful initiatives for the betterment of communities,” said Tish Galindo, the visionary behind this initiative. “Moreover, this event is not just about celebration; it’s also a platform to drive meaningful change. Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting charitable causes dedicated to empowering women and fostering inclusivity within the sports industry.”

Due to Rooks’ hectic schedule during the week, which included hosting The Power Sports Brunch, where she hosted and presented other women within sports with their well-deserved flowers, she could not make the Women Raise the Game event, powered by Boldyn Networks. Still, she did speak to rolling out about the recognition.

You’re being honored at an event featuring Jermaine Dupri tomorrow, right?

Yes! OK, so I saw that, and I just thought that was so cool.

I’m sad I’m not going to be able to make it, but Jermaine Dupri is a legend. I am from Georgia, so it means even more.

I am so thankful. I wake up every day and feel so thankful I get to do this work.

What Usher song were you looking forward to hearing most in his halftime performance? (Question updated)

Oh my gosh. I don’t even know if you have enough time. It’s interesting, though. Because my favorite Usher songs are those slow ones. Like… “U Got It Bad,” …”Nice & Slow,” [and] “Burn”… …I would say “Yeah.” That’s a classic.