Lawrence Taylor's Defensive Dominance

Lore & Background

Taylor was a disruptive force at outside linebacker, and is credited with changing defensive game plans, defensive pass rushing schemes, offensive line blocking schemes, and offensive formations used in the NFL. He produced double-digit sacks each season from 1984 through 1990, except for 1985 when he had 9, including a career-high of 20.5 in 1986. He won a record three AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards (since tied by J. J. Watt and Aaron Donald), and was named the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his performance during the 1986 season. He and Alan Page (1971) are two of only three players primarily recognized for defense to earn the award, along with kicker Mark Moseley (1982). Taylor was named First-team All-Pro in eight of his first ten seasons, and Second-team All-Pro in the other two. Taylor was a key member of the Giants' defense, nicknamed the "Big Blue Wrecking Crew", that led New York to victories in Super Bowls XXI and XXV.

In Their Own Story

The stadium lights hummed over a snow-dusted Twelfth Street as the Giants defense lined up against a desperate fourth-down play. Lawrence Taylor, his jersey number 54 stark white against the blue and red, crouched low, eyes locked on the quarterback's blind side. The snap came, and in a blur of motion, he exploded past the guard, leaving only a trail of dust and confusion. The quarterback scrambled, looking for an opening that didn't exist, as Taylor closed in like a storm front, his shoulder pads gleaming under the floodlights before delivering a hit that echoed through the frozen night.

Reader's Guide

Taylor was selected by the Giants second overall in the 1981 NFL draft. He was named both the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1981 and the only NFL player to win the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in his rookie season. During the 1980s Taylor, Carl Banks, Gary Reasons, Brad Van Pelt, Brian Kelley, Pepper Johnson, and Hall of Famer Harry Carson earned the Giants linebacking corps a reputation as one of the best in the NFL, along with the nickname "Crunch Bunch."

Did You Know?

• Taylor is the only NFL player to win the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in his rookie season.
• He, Alan Page, and kicker Mark Moseley are the only players primarily recognized for defense or special teams to earn the NFL MVP award.
• Taylor's career-high 20.5 sacks came in 1986, the same year he won MVP.
• He wore number 56 because he was a fan of Cowboys linebacker Thomas Henderson.