Joy Taylor fired from FS1, responds with unbothered workout video [VIDEO]
Fired But Unbothered? Joy Taylor’s Workout Clip Ignites Social Media After FS1 Departure
Joy Taylor, one of FS1’s most recognizable personalities, has found herself at the center of a social media storm following her reported firing from Fox Sports. As news of her departure broke, a now-viral video of Taylor jumping rope by the ocean set the internet ablaze—not just for her fitness routine, but for the statement it seemingly made: she’s unbothered.
A Sudden Shakeup at FS1
This afternoon (July 14), Fox Sports made the unexpected decision not to renew Taylor’s contract. The move effectively canceled her FS1 show “Speak,” which also featured Paul Pierce and Keyshawn Johnson. The cancellation of the show and her dismissal were met with surprise by fans and industry watchers alike. Taylor had been a staple at the network for nearly a decade, known for her quick wit, commanding presence, and insightful takes on NFL and NBA news.
According to insiders, her exit came amid a larger shakeup at Fox Sports. Shows including “Breakfast Ball” and “The Facility” were also scrapped. While official statements from Taylor or Fox have not surfaced, speculation about the motivation behind the firings is rampant.
The Lawsuit Connection
A potentially related controversy involves an ongoing lawsuit filed by a former Fox Sports hairstylist. The suit names Taylor, FS1 executive Charlie Dixon, and former FS1 host Skip Bayless, alleging a hostile work environment and various forms of misconduct. Though Fox Sports hasn’t directly connected Taylor’s dismissal to the lawsuit, the timing has raised eyebrows across the media landscape.
The network has also reportedly been grappling with underwhelming ratings across multiple daytime shows. While not the sole factor in her exit, the ratings decline may have contributed to the network’s broader decision to reset its lineup.
The Video That Sparked It All
In the midst of this media firestorm, a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by parody account @B1ackSchefter added fuel to the conversation. The clip shows Taylor energetically jumping rope on a tropical wooden deck, backed by a panoramic ocean view and swaying palm trees. Wearing a fitted light blue workout set and white sneakers with red accents, Taylor exudes focus and calm—all while the Spanish lyrics of Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” play in the background.
A watermark on the video indicates it originated from her personal platform, @joytaylortalks, possibly Instagram or TikTok. Whether intentionally timed or not, the video gave fans something to rally behind—or mock.
Social Media Reacts: Humor, Objectification, and Speculation
The video quickly went viral, amassing over 2 million views and thousands of interactions. But not all feedback was kind. In a swirl of schadenfreude and internet cruelty, some users mocked her appearance. Comments ranged from the light-hearted (“Getting ready for her next chapter”) to the outright cruel (“She got that Hank Hill figure” and “Built like a corn dog”).
Still, others applauded her for staying active, showing resilience, and projecting confidence. “She lost her job and immediately gave us content,” one user tweeted. Another added, “Joy is working through it the way we all should—headphones in, haters out.”
A Career of Reinvention
Joy Taylor’s rise in sports media has been defined by resilience and reinvention. Starting as a radio host in Miami, she moved on to become a panelist and anchor on some of FS1’s biggest programs. Whether holding her own alongside Colin Cowherd or leading discussions on “Speak,” she earned a reputation for her sharp analysis and ability to moderate often heated debates.
As the sister of NFL Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, Joy brought more than celebrity lineage to the table. Her knowledge of the game and connection to both the sports and pop culture worlds made her a key figure in FS1’s efforts to appeal to younger, more diverse audiences.
What Comes Next for Joy Taylor?
While she hasn’t formally commented on her firing, the workout video may serve as a subtle nod to her mindset: recalibration, not retreat. Industry insiders suggest she could pivot to independent media, perhaps through podcasting, streaming, or a subscription-based platform.
Others point to ESPN or Amazon Prime as potential landing spots, particularly given the ongoing talent shuffling across sports media this year. In the meantime, Taylor’s social media following—which exceeds 600,000 on Instagram alone—is poised to support her next move.
Many women in her position have gone onto launch their own independent shows. In particular, Jemele Hill comes to mind. Following her ESPN dismissal, she started a show she actually owns and remains a prominent voice. So, there is a pathway forward for Taylor.
The Bigger Picture: Women in Sports Media
Taylor’s situation has reignited ongoing conversations about the role of women in sports broadcasting. Female hosts often face harsher criticism than their male counterparts, both for their opinions and their appearance.
The mockery she faced online is sadly not unusual. Yet her video can also be read as a challenge to that very scrutiny—a visual manifesto stating that she won’t shrink, apologize, or disappear.
In a field where visibility can often be double-edged, Taylor’s choice to remain visible, active, and composed is noteworthy. It highlights both the pitfalls and power of public figures taking control of their narrative.
Conclusion
Joy Taylor’s departure from FS1 may have been abrupt, but her viral workout video has ensured that she remains a topic of conversation. Whether it was a strategic post or simply a moment of personal empowerment, the message was received loud and clear: she’s moving on, on her own terms.
As the dust settles, fans and critics alike will be watching to see what Taylor does next. But if her career thus far is any indication, this won’t be the last we hear from her. She may be out at FS1, but she’s far from finished.
In today’s media landscape, where brand and identity often matter as much as broadcast reach, Taylor’s ability to own the moment may prove just as important as her next job title. And if her latest clip is anything to go by, she’s not skipping a beat.