Lawrence Taylor
The greatest defensive player of all time, L.T. revolutionized the linebacker position and led the Giants to two Super Bowl victories.
Lawrence Julius Taylor (born February 4, 1959), nicknamed "L.T.", is an American former professional football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons with the New York Giants. He is widely regarded as the greatest defensive player of all time – and considered by some as the best football player ever.
- Position
- Outside Linebacker
- Championships
- Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXV
- MVP Honors
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1986)
- Jersey Status
- #56 Retired by the New York Giants
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Taylor produced double-digit sacks each season from 1984 through 1990, except for 1985 when he had 9 sacks. 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 the only defensive players in league history to earn the award. 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
On September 6, 1981, Taylor made his NFL regular-season debut against the Philadelphia Eagles, recording an unremarkable game aside from a penalty for a late hit on Perry Harrington. Later that season against the St. Louis Cardinals, he rushed and sacked the passer despite being assigned to drop into coverage. When corrected by Parcells, Taylor famously retorted, "Well, we better put it in on Monday, because that play's a dandy." By 1986, his dominance peaked when he won the league's Most Valuable Player award, becoming only the second defensive player ever to do so, joining Alan Page (1971). He led the Giants' "Big Blue Wrecking Crew" defense to victories in Super Bowls XXI and XXV. Alongside Carl Banks, Gary Reasons, Brad Van Pelt, Brian Kelley, Pepper Johnson, and Hall of Famer Harry Carson, Taylor formed the legendary "Crunch Bunch," cementing a reputation as one of the best linebacking corps in NFL history.
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. The source does not specify his sack total for 1981 or 1985. The source states that UNC later retired Taylor's jersey; it does not state that the Giants retired his number.
Did You Know?
- Taylor is credited with changing defensive game plans, defensive pass rushing schemes, offensive line blocking schemes, and offensive formations used in the NFL.
- 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 the nickname "Crunch Bunch."
- Taylor inadvertently caused a compound fracture of the right leg of quarterback Joe Theismann.
- Taylor was arrested multiple times for drug-related offenses after his retirement, but was not jailed three times for attempted drug possession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lawrence Taylor?
Lawrence Julius 'L.T.' Taylor was an outside linebacker who played his entire 13-season NFL career with the New York Giants after being drafted second overall in 1981. He remains one of the most dominant defensive players in history, known for revolutionizing how the game is played on defense.
What made Lawrence Taylor so special on the field?
Taylor was a disruptive force who forced opposing teams to completely alter their offensive formations and pass-rushing schemes just to account for his presence. His ability to pressure quarterbacks from the outside linebacker position changed defensive strategies across the entire league.
What are Lawrence Taylor's biggest career achievements?
He led the Giants to victories in Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXV while earning NFL MVP honors in 1986, a rare feat for a defensive player. Additionally, he became the only defensive player ever to win AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year as a rookie.
Why is Lawrence Taylor considered so important to football history?
Taylor's impact was so profound that he fundamentally changed how defenses were constructed and how offenses had to protect their quarterbacks. His legacy is cemented by his ability to single-handedly dictate the flow of games through sheer dominance at the line of scrimmage.
What happened to Lawrence Taylor's jersey number?
The New York Giants retired his iconic number 56 in honor of his legendary contributions and status as a franchise icon. No other player is permitted to wear that number for the team, ensuring his legacy remains unique within the organization.
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