Taylor did not begin playing organized football until his junior year of high school, making him a late bloomer by most standards. However, his natural athleticism, combined with his size and speed, quickly became evident during his time at the University of North Carolina. Playing as a linebacker, he became known for his explosive power and disruptive play, qualities that made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
In the 1981 NFL Draft, Taylor was selected as the second overall pick by the New York Giants. From the outset, he made an immediate impact, redefining the linebacker position with his aggressive style and relentless pursuit of the quarterback. In his rookie season, he recorded 9.5 sacks and became the first player in NFL history to win the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award as a rookie—a title he would go on to claim three times during his career.
Throughout his 13-year career with the New York Giants, Taylor earned a reputation as one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history. He was selected to the Pro Bowl ten times and was named a First-Team All-Pro on eight occasions. Taylor’s intensity, leadership, and unparalleled athleticism helped lead the Giants to two Super Bowl victories, in 1986 and 1990.
His tenacity on the field was legendary. In one game, after sustaining a concussion, Taylor attempted to reenter the game, prompting staff to hide his helmet for his safety. He famously played through serious injuries, including a torn shoulder and a detached pectoral muscle, further solidifying his status as one of the toughest players in the league.
Off the field, Taylor’s life has seen both challenges and milestones. He has been married multiple times, with his third marriage to Lynette Taylor occurring in 2007. Despite personal ups and downs, including health issues and off-field controversies, Taylor’s achievements in the sport remain unmatched.
Taylor is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, having been inducted in 1999. His journey from a late-start athlete to a Hall of Fame inductee is a testament to his hard work and raw talent. With a substantial net worth and a large following on social media platforms like Twitter, Taylor continues to be a significant figure in the world of sports, admired by fans and aspiring athletes alike.
Return to the previous page| Birth Date: | 4 Feb, 1959 |
| Age: | 61 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Williamsburg |
| Education: | Lafayette High School University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American football linebacker, Pro Football Hall of Famer |
| Net Worth 2021: | 200 thousand |
