The Lawrence Taylor Dominance
The greatest defensive player of all time, L.T. changed the game from his linebacker position.
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.
Quick Facts
- Jersey number retired
- Officially retired by the Giants
Lore & Background
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. Taylor produced double-digit sacks each season from 1984 through 1990, including a career-high of 20.5 in 1986. He won a record three AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards and was named the league's Most Valuable Player for the 1986 season. He and Alan Page are the only defensive players in league history to earn the MVP award. Taylor was a key member of the Giants' defense that led New York to victories in Super Bowls XXI and XXV.
Reader's Guide
Taylor's talent was evident from the start of training camp. His teammates took to calling him Superman. He made his NFL exhibition debut on August 8, 1981, recording 2 sacks in the Giants' 23–7 win over the Chicago Bears. Taylor developed a "love-hate relationship" with Bill Parcells. He made his NFL regular season debut on September 6, 1981, in a 24–10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Did You Know?
- He inadvertently caused a compound fracture of the right leg of quarterback Joe Theismann.
- Taylor was registered as a low-risk sex offender after pleading guilty to sexual misconduct and patronizing a prostitute.
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