Lawrence Taylor

Biography

Lawrence Taylor changed how football was played. Before him, outside linebackers were secondary defenders, cleaning up plays started by linemen. Taylor became the play-starter, a heat-seeking missile who offensive coordinators built entire game plans around containing. His speed was deceptive - he looked almost casual pursuing ball carriers until he arrived with devastating violence. The 1986 MVP award, almost unheard of for a defensive player, recognized a season where he registered 20.5 sacks and terrorized every quarterback he faced. Off-field troubles plagued him throughout his career and after, but between the lines, he was transformative. Bill Belichick, who coached him, called him the greatest defensive player ever. The Giants built their identity around him, winning two Super Bowls on the back of his domination.

Career Highlights

• 2 Super Bowl Championships
• 3 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Awards
• 1 NFL MVP (1986 - rare for defender)
• 10x Pro Bowl selection
• Member of NFL 100th Anniversary Team

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