Ike Taylor facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ike Taylor

Taylor with the Steelers in 2009
No. 24
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1980-05-05) May 5, 1980 (age 45) Gretna, Louisiana, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school:	Marion Abramson (New Orleans, Louisiana)
College:	Louisiana–Lafayette (2001–2002)
NFL Draft:	2003 / Round: 4 / Pick: 125
Career history
Pittsburgh Steelers (2003–2014)
Career highlights and awards
2× Super Bowl champion (XL, XLIII)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 636 Forced fumbles: 2 Fumble recoveries: 5 Pass deflections: 134 Interceptions: 14 Defensive touchdowns: 1
Player stats at PFR

Ivan "Ike" Taylor (born May 5, 1980) is a former American professional football player. He played as a cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL). Ike Taylor spent his entire 12-year career with the Steelers. He was chosen by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL draft. Before joining the NFL, he played college football at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. After retiring from playing, he worked as a football analyst for NFL Now and other shows on the NFL Network.

Early Life and High School Football

Ike Taylor was born in Gretna, Louisiana, a town near New Orleans. As a child, he moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, with his mother. Later, he returned to Louisiana to live with his aunt and uncle.

He went to Marion Abramson Senior High School in New Orleans. There, he played both football and basketball. In high school, Ike played many different positions in football. He was a running back, defensive end, cornerback, and even a placekicker.

College Football Career

Ike Taylor attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He studied psychology there. For his first two years, he could not play football because of his grades.

In 2001, he joined the football team as a walk-on. This means he joined without a scholarship at first. He later earned a scholarship before the season began. In his first year, he played as a tailback and on special teams. He also returned kicks.

Before his final year, Taylor asked to switch to playing cornerback. He became a starting right cornerback. That season, he made 46 tackles and broke up eight passes. He also forced two fumbles. In four games, no opponent caught a pass against him. One of his college teammates was Charles Tillman, who also became a successful NFL player.

Professional Football Career with the Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers picked Ike Taylor in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL draft. He was the 125th player chosen overall. Even though he was new to playing cornerback, the Steelers saw his potential. They liked his unique mix of size and speed.

On May 28, 2003, Taylor signed a three-year contract with the Steelers. He started his first season as the fourth cornerback on the team. He also returned kicks for the special teams. He played his first NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens. In Week 12, he got his first start as a nickelback. He finished his first year with 32 tackles and three pass deflections.

Becoming a Starter and Super Bowl XL

In 2004, Taylor continued to improve. He made his first career interception against Carson Palmer of the Cincinnati Bengals. The next week, he intercepted a pass from Tom Brady of the New England Patriots. The Steelers had a great season, finishing with 15 wins and 1 loss. They made it to the playoffs, but lost to the Patriots.

In 2005, Ike Taylor became a starting cornerback for the Steelers. He had a fantastic season with 91 tackles and 23 pass deflections. The Steelers finished second in their division. They then went on an amazing playoff run. Taylor played a key role, making tackles and deflecting passes.

On February 5, 2006, Taylor started in Super Bowl XL. He had seven tackles and two pass deflections. He also intercepted a pass by Matt Hasselbeck in the red zone. The Steelers won the Super Bowl, beating the Seattle Seahawks 21–10. This was Ike Taylor's first Super Bowl championship!

Continuing Success and Super Bowl XLIII

After winning the Super Bowl, Taylor signed a new four-year contract with the Steelers. He remained a starting cornerback. In 2007, he had a great year. He made 80 tackles, 16 pass deflections, and three interceptions. He even scored his first career touchdown by returning an interception 51 yards. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Week for one of his strong performances.

In 2008, Taylor continued to be a key player for the Steelers. He often covered the opponent's best wide receiver. He helped the Steelers win their division again. They made it back to the Super Bowl.

On February 1, 2009, Ike Taylor started in Super Bowl XLIII. He recorded eight tackles in the game. The Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27–23. This was Ike Taylor's second Super Bowl championship!

Later Career Years

In 2009, Taylor remained a starting cornerback. He had 62 tackles and 13 pass deflections. In one game, he made a big hit on quarterback Pat White. White was okay after the hit.

In 2010, Taylor was the top cornerback for the Steelers. He helped the team win their division with a 12–4 record. They reached Super Bowl XLV. On February 2, 2011, Taylor started in the Super Bowl. However, the Steelers lost to the Green Bay Packers 31–25.

In 2011, Taylor signed a new four-year contract with the Steelers. He continued to be a strong player, making 44 tackles and 14 pass deflections. In the playoffs, the Steelers faced the Denver Broncos. The game went into overtime. On the first play, Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow threw an 80-yard touchdown pass, ending the Steelers' season.

In 2012, Taylor was still the top starting cornerback. He had 32 tackles and 13 pass deflections. He injured his fibula in Week 12, which caused him to miss five games. This injury ended his long streak of playing in 136 straight games.

In 2013, Taylor played in all 16 games as a starting cornerback. He finished the season with 63 tackles and 12 pass deflections.

His final season was in 2014. He broke his right forearm in Week 3 while tackling a player. This injury kept him out for eight games. He also had a shoulder injury later in the season. He played in only five games that year.

On April 14, 2015, Ike Taylor officially announced his retirement from professional football.

NFL Career Statistics

Life After Football

After retiring from playing, Ike Taylor joined NFL Network. He became an analyst for shows like NFL Now. He shared his knowledge and opinions about football.

Personal Life and Community Work

Ike Taylor spends his off-season time in his hometown of New Orleans. He trains to stay in shape using a special program called SPARQ. This program focuses on speed, power, agility, reaction, and quickness. He often trains at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

Since 2005, Ike Taylor has hosted the "FaceMeIke Football Camp" every summer. This camp helps local young people in New Orleans learn about football.

Ike's son, Ivan Taylor, is also following in his footsteps. He has committed to play college football for The University of Alabama.