Aqib Talib facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Aqib Talib

Talib with the Denver Broncos in 2017
No. 25, 31, 21
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1986-02-13) February 13, 1986 (age 39) Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	209 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High school:	Berkner (Richardson, Texas)
College:	Kansas (2004–2007)
NFL Draft:	2008 / Round: 1 / Pick: 20
Career history
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2008–2012) New England Patriots (2012–2013) Denver Broncos (2014–2017) Los Angeles Rams (2018–2019) Miami Dolphins (2019)
Career highlights and awards
Super Bowl champion (50) First-team All-Pro (2016) Second-team All-Pro (2013) 5× Pro Bowl (2013–2017) Jack Tatum Trophy (2007) Unanimous All-American (2007) 2× First-team All-Big 12 (2006, 2007)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 462 Pass deflections: 125 Interceptions: 35 Forced fumbles: 5 Fumble recoveries: 4 Defensive touchdowns: 10
Player stats at PFR

Aqib Talib (born February 13, 1986) is a former professional football player. He played as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He was known for his strong defensive skills. Talib played college football for the Kansas Jayhawks. He was recognized as a top college player. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers chose him in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft. Talib also played for the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Rams. He won Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos. After retiring from playing, he became a football analyst for NFL on Fox.

Early Life and High School Football

Aqib Talib was born in Cleveland, Ohio. His parents were Theodore Henry and Okolo Talib. He grew up in a Muslim family. Aqib is the youngest of four children. He has two older sisters, Saran and Kai, and an older brother, Yaqub. His name "Aqib" means "the last one" in Arabic. His last name, "Talib," means "student."

When he was young, Aqib's parents divorced. He spent his childhood living in both Ohio and New Jersey. In eighth grade, his mother moved to Richardson, Texas, with him and his older brother.

Talib went to Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas. He was a talented athlete, playing football, basketball, and track. In his senior year of football, he was named the Defensive Back of the Year for his high school. He also earned top honors in his district and city. In track, he was part of relay teams that ran fast races.

As a high school football player, Talib was considered a good prospect. Several universities wanted him to play for them. He decided to play for the University of Kansas.

College Football Career

Talib played for the Kansas Jayhawks football team from 2004 to 2007. He quickly became a key player.

Talib in 2007 with Kansas

In 2007, during his junior year, Talib became one of the best defensive college football players in the country. He was recognized as a unanimous All-American. This means he was chosen by all major groups as one of the best players in the nation. He also played a little as a wide receiver, catching four touchdown passes. In a game against rival Kansas State, Talib made a game-winning interception. He also returned an interception 102 yards for a touchdown against Florida International.

In the 2008 Orange Bowl, Talib intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown. He was named the game's Most Valuable Player. On January 6, 2008, he decided to leave college early. He chose to enter the 2008 NFL draft.

In 2017, Talib was honored by the University of Kansas. His name was added to the Kansas Ring of Honor.

Professional Football Journey

Aqib Talib was seen as one of the best defensive players entering the NFL draft. He was invited to the NFL Combine. This is where players show off their skills to professional teams.

Playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2008–2012)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked Talib in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft. He was the 20th player chosen overall. He was the third cornerback picked that year. Talib signed a four-year contract with the Buccaneers.

During his first year, Talib had some challenges. He had a disagreement with a teammate during a rookie event. He also missed a team flight and some meetings. Despite this, he worked hard to earn his spot. He made his first professional game appearance in Week 1. In Week 2, he got his first career interception. He finished his first season with 23 tackles and four interceptions.

In 2009, Talib became a full-time starting cornerback. In one game, he had a career-high three interceptions against the Washington Redskins. He ended the 2009 season with 64 tackles and five interceptions.

In 2010, Talib was suspended for one game at the start of the season for breaking a league rule. When he returned, he continued to play well. He scored his first career touchdown by returning an interception 45 yards. He had a career-high six interceptions that season. Unfortunately, he suffered a hip injury and missed the end of the season. The Buccaneers had a good year, winning 10 games. After the 2010 season, Talib was named Defensive Back of the Year by the NFL Alumni Association.

In 2011, Talib scored two more touchdowns by returning interceptions. He continued to be a strong player for the Buccaneers. However, he dealt with a recurring hamstring injury. He was placed on injured reserve, ending his season early.

In 2012, Talib was suspended for four games for breaking a league rule. He stated he had taken a substance without permission.

Time with the New England Patriots (2012–2013)

On November 1, 2012, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded Talib to the New England Patriots. He joined the Patriots after his suspension ended.

Talib with the Patriots in the 2013 postseason

In his first game with the Patriots, Talib made a big impact. He had seven tackles and returned an interception for a 59-yard touchdown. He helped the Patriots reach the AFC Championship game.

In 2013, the Patriots signed Talib to a new contract. He continued to be a starting cornerback. He had a strong season with 41 tackles and four interceptions. He was chosen for his first Pro Bowl and was named to the All-Pro team. This showed he was one of the best players at his position. He was also ranked among the top 100 players in the NFL by his fellow players.

Winning a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos (2014–2017)

On March 11, 2014, the Denver Broncos signed Talib to a six-year contract. He joined his former college teammate Chris Harris Jr. and former Patriots teammate Wes Welker. Talib became a key part of the Broncos' defense, known as the "No Fly Zone." This defense was famous for stopping opposing teams' passing plays.

Talib with the Denver Broncos in 2014

In his first season with the Broncos, Talib had 64 tackles, 16 pass deflections, and four interceptions. He returned two of those interceptions for touchdowns. He was voted to his second Pro Bowl. The Broncos won their division but lost in the playoffs.

In 2015, Talib continued his strong play. He returned an interception for a 51-yard touchdown in the first game of the season. In a game against the Indianapolis Colts, he had an incident where he poked an opponent's eye. This led to a penalty and a one-game suspension. He finished the season with 45 tackles and two touchdowns.

The Denver Broncos had a great 2015 season, winning 12 games. They made it to Super Bowl 50. On February 7, 2016, Talib played in his first Super Bowl. He had five tackles and helped the Broncos win 24–10 against the Carolina Panthers. He admitted to intentionally grabbing an opponent's face mask during the game, which resulted in a fine. Talib was ranked among the top 100 players in the NFL again.

Talib with the Denver Broncos in 2016

In 2016, Talib had three interceptions, including one he returned 46 yards for a touchdown. This was his fifth interception return touchdown as a Bronco, a team record. He was named to the Pro Bowl and was a First-team All-Pro player.

In 2017, Talib had a career-long 103-yard interception return for a touchdown. During a game against the Oakland Raiders, Talib had an altercation with Michael Crabtree. Both players were ejected from the game and suspended for one game. Talib was named to his fifth straight Pro Bowl.

Later Career (2018–2019)

On March 8, 2018, the Broncos traded Talib to the Los Angeles Rams. He became a starting cornerback for the Rams. In Week 3, he suffered an ankle injury that needed surgery. He returned to play later in the season. Talib helped the Rams reach Super Bowl LIII, where they lost to his former team, the New England Patriots.

In 2019, Talib started the season with the Rams. He was placed on injured reserve in October due to a rib injury. On October 29, 2019, Talib was traded to the Miami Dolphins. He did not play for the Dolphins because of his injury.

Retirement and Broadcasting

On September 9, 2020, Aqib Talib announced his retirement from football. He said he no longer felt like playing. After retiring, Talib worked as a commentator for Fox Sports. He later stepped away from a broadcasting role with Amazon Prime Video due to personal reasons.

NFL Career Highlights

Aqib Talib had a successful NFL career. He was known for his ability to intercept passes and score touchdowns.

Personal Life

On March 26, 2016, Aqib Talib married his girlfriend, Gypsy Benitez. The wedding took place near Dallas, Texas. Many of his teammates from the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots attended. Aqib and Gypsy have two children together. Their son is named Jabril. Their daughter, Kiara, is from a previous relationship.

Talib has said that his favorite football players when he was a child were Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders.

See also

In Spanish: Aqib Talib para niños