Jim Taylor vs Gale Sayers
The Packers' punishing fullback who defined toughness in the Lombardi era.
Jim Taylor was a fullback for the Green Bay Packers from 1958 to 1966 and for the New Orleans Saints in 1967. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1976.
Quick Facts
- Jim taylor team
- Green Bay Packers
- Gale sayers teams
- Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs
- Taylor achievement
- NFL MVP (1962), 3x Super Bowl Champion
- Sayers achievement
- NFL Rookie of the Year (1965), Hall of Famer
- Hall of fame status
- Both Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame
Lore & Background
Taylor was known for his aggressive running style and trash talking, developing a notable rivalry with New York Giants linebacker Sam Huff. His performance in the 1962 NFL Championship Game, where he carried 31 times for 85 yards and a touchdown despite injuries, came to define his toughness.
Reader's Guide
Taylor was selected by the Packers in the second round of the 1958 NFL draft. He won the NFL rushing title in 1962, was named NFL MVP that year, and won four NFL championships and the first Super Bowl with Green Bay. His number 31 jersey is retired by the Saints.
Did You Know?
- Taylor was the first player to record five straight seasons of at least 1,000 rushing yards.
- His 81 rushing touchdowns for the Packers remains a franchise record by a wide margin.
- Taylor led the Southeastern Conference in scoring in 1956 and 1957 while playing for LSU.
- He was named MVP of the 1962 NFL season after winning the rushing title, beating out Jim Brown.
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