Lawrence Taylor

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

After an All-American career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1978–1981), 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. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Taylor was a disruptive force at outside linebacker. 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 (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. 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."

In Their Own Story

In a game versus the St. Louis Cardinals early in his career, Taylor rushed and sacked the passer when he was supposed to drop into coverage. When defensive coordinator Bill Parcells told him that was not his assignment and wasn't in the playbook, Taylor responded, "Well, we better put it in on Monday, because that play's a dandy." Taylor's talent was evident from the start of training camp, where teammates called him Superman and joked his locker should be replaced with a phone booth. Phil Simms said, "on the pass rush, he's an animal. He's either going to run around you or over you. With his quickness, he's full speed after two steps." In his NFL exhibition debut on August 8, 1981, Taylor recorded 2 sacks in a 23–7 win over the Chicago Bears. Years later, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw recalled, "[h]e dang-near killed me, I just kept saying, 'Who is this guy?' He kept coming from my blind side and just ripped my ribs to pieces."

Reader's Guide

Taylor has lived a controversial lifestyle, during and after his playing career. He was known for his on-game persona and at one point inadvertently caused a compound fracture of the right leg of quarterback Joe Theismann. He admitted to using drugs such as cocaine as early as his second year in the NFL, and was suspended for 30 days in 1988 by the league for failing drug tests. His drug abuse escalated after his retirement, and he was jailed three times for attempted drug possession. From 1998 to 2009, Taylor claims to have lived a sober, drug-free life. He worked as a color commentator on sporting events after his retirement, and pursued a career as an actor. His personal life came under public scrutiny in 2010 when he was arrested for the statutory rape of a 16-year-old girl. After he pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct and patronizing a prostitute, Taylor was registered as a low-risk sex offender.

Did You Know?

• Taylor was selected by the Giants second overall in the 1981 NFL draft.
• He is the only NFL player to win the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in his rookie season.
• Taylor and Alan Page (1971) are the only defensive players in league history to earn the AP NFL MVP award.
• He produced a career-high 20.5 sacks in 1986.