Sports fans know Taylor Rooks for her work on Amazon Prime Video and NBA broadcasts, but few know her connection to the NFL began in someone else’s living room.
As a young woman, Rooks spent time babysitting Josh Downs and his younger brother Caleb, long before either had reached the professional level.
The experience resurfaced on the Downs 2 Business podcast, where the siblings invited Rooks to share memories from those early days.
“We got a superstar in the building,” Josh Downs said with a grin. “And she babysatted me, my brother and my sister… let’s welcome the great Taylor Rooks.”
Rooks reflected on the personalities she encountered as a babysitter. “What I do remember about Caleb, he was just the sweetest little baby.
But Josh had energy, Josh wanted to get his way.” Caleb chimed in: “He had a big attitude, yeah.”
Both brothers have since achieved remarkable success. Josh became an Indianapolis Colts wide receiver in 2023 and has tallied over 2,000 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in his first 47 games.
Caleb, meanwhile, captured a national championship with Ohio State and earned multiple All-American honors, in addition to being named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2025.
From childhood memories to national spotlight
Rooks herself has experienced a rise through the sports world. After reporting for networks including TNT, CBS Sports, and the Big Ten Network, she joined Amazon Prime Video in 2022.
Three years later, she expanded her coverage to the NBA, establishing herself as one of the most recognizable female voices in sports media.
Looking back on her unusual start, Rooks shared on X, “The fact I was the longtime babysitter of Josh and Caleb Downs is one of the things that makes me say TIME FLIES (also wow I’m 33 lol).”
Away from cameras, she celebrated a major personal milestone in July, marrying Shane Fowlerin New York at a ceremony attended by stars including Saquon Barkley, Kevin Durant, and Jack Harlow.
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