Lawrence Taylor facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Lawrence Taylor

Taylor in 2009
No. 56
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1959-02-04) February 4, 1959 (age 66) Williamsburg, Virginia, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	237 lb (108 kg)
Career information
High school:	Lafayette (Williamsburg, Virginia)
College:	North Carolina (1977–1980)
NFL Draft:	1981 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2
Career history
New York Giants (1981)
Career highlights and awards
2× Super Bowl champion (XXI, XXV) NFL Most Valuable Player (1986) 3× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1981, 1982, 1986) NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1981) 2× UPI NFC Player of the Year (1983, 1986) 8× First-team All-Pro (1981–1986, 1988, 1989) 2× Second-team All-Pro (1987, 1990) 10× Pro Bowl (1981–1990) NFL sacks leader (1986) NFL 1980s All-Decade Team NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team Bert Bell Award (1986) PFWA All-Rookie Team (1981) New York Giants Ring of Honor New York Giants No. 56 retired 100 greatest Giants of all-time Unanimous All-American (1980) ACC Player of the Year (1980) First-team All-ACC (1980) North Carolina Tar Heels Jersey No. 98 honored
Career NFL statistics
Tackles: 1,088 Sacks: 142 Fumble recoveries: 11 Interceptions: 9 Defensive touchdowns: 2
Player stats at PFR
Pro Football Hall of Fame

Lawrence Julius Taylor (born February 4, 1959), known as "L.T.", is a famous American former professional football linebacker. He played for 13 seasons with the New York Giants in the National Football League (NFL). Many people consider him the greatest defensive player ever, and some even say he is the best football player of all time.

After a great college career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Taylor was chosen by the Giants as the second overall pick in the 1981 NFL draft. He quickly became a star. In 1981, he was named both the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He is the only NFL player to win Defensive Player of the Year in his rookie season.

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Taylor was a powerful force as an outside linebacker. He changed how teams planned their defense and offense. He recorded double-digit sacks every season from 1984 to 1990, with a career-high of 20.5 sacks in 1986. He won the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award three times, a record he shares with J. J. Watt and Aaron Donald. In 1986, he was named the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP). He and Alan Page are the only defensive players in NFL history to win this award.

Taylor was a key part of the Giants' defense, known as the "Big Blue Wrecking Crew". This defense helped New York win Super Bowls XXI and XXV. The Giants' linebackers in the 1980s, including Taylor, Carl Banks, Gary Reasons, Brad Van Pelt, Brian Kelley, Pepper Johnson, and Hall of Famer Harry Carson, were known as one of the best groups in the NFL. They were even nicknamed the "Crunch Bunch". After his playing career, Taylor worked as a commentator for sports and also became an actor.

Early Life and Football Start

Lawrence Taylor was born in Williamsburg, Virginia. He was the first of three sons for Clarence and Iris Taylor. His family called him Lonnie. As a child, Taylor was very active and adventurous.

He mostly played baseball when he was young, as a catcher. He didn't start playing organized high school football until he was fifteen years old. Even then, he wasn't heavily recruited by colleges right out of high school.

College Football Career

After finishing Lafayette High School in 1977, Taylor went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was a team captain there and wore jersey number 98. He was first recruited to play defensive lineman, but he switched to linebacker before the 1979 season.

In his final college season in 1980, Taylor set several team records. This included a record of 16 sacks in one season, which still stands today. That same year, he was recognized as an All-American and the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year. He was one of only four defensive players to ever win that award. His coaches were amazed by his intense and fearless style of play. The University of North Carolina later honored Taylor's jersey number.

Professional Football Journey

Joining the NFL: 1981 Draft and Training Camp

In the 1981 NFL draft, the New York Giants chose Lawrence Taylor as the second overall pick in the first round. Before the draft, 26 out of 28 NFL general managers said they would pick Taylor if they had the first choice. Giants General Manager George Young even predicted that Taylor would be better than NFL legends like Dick Butkus.

The New Orleans Saints had the first pick and chose a different player. This left Taylor available for the Giants, who picked him to the cheers of the crowd in New York City. Taylor initially hoped to play for the Dallas Cowboys, but he soon became excited about joining the Giants. He chose to wear number 56 because he admired Cowboys linebacker Thomas Henderson.

Taylor's amazing talent was clear from the very start of training camp. His teammates began calling him Superman. The team's quarterback, Phil Simms, said Taylor was like an "animal" when rushing the passer. In his first exhibition game in August 1981, Taylor recorded 2 sacks. Even opposing quarterbacks, like Pittsburgh Steelers' Terry Bradshaw, were shocked by his speed and power.

Taylor developed a complex relationship with Bill Parcells, who was the Giants' defensive coordinator and later their head coach. Parcells pushed his players hard to get the best out of them. Taylor didn't always like this, but Parcells saw a "mean streak" in him that he admired.

Early Success: 1981–1985 Seasons

Taylor made his official NFL debut on September 6, 1981. He quickly showed his impact, recording 9.5 sacks in his rookie year. His first season is considered one of the best for a rookie in NFL history. He was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Taylor's arrival helped the Giants' defense greatly improve, and the team finished with a 9–7 record, making it to the playoffs.

The 1982 NFL season was shorter due to a player strike. During a Thanksgiving Day game, Taylor made a memorable play. He intercepted a pass and ran it back 97 yards for a touchdown. This play showed his unique mix of power and speed. He was again named Defensive Player of the Year.

After the 1982 season, Bill Parcells became the Giants' head coach. In 1983, Taylor recorded nine sacks and was named to the All-Pro team for the third year in a row. He even made the 1983 All-Pro Team at two different positions, which was a first in NFL history.

The Giants improved to a 9–7 record in 1984, and Taylor had another All-Pro season. In the playoffs, the Giants won one game but then lost to the eventual champion San Francisco 49ers.

In 1985, the Giants had a strong season, finishing 10–6. Taylor led a defense that had 68 sacks, with him contributing 13. One of the most famous plays of his career happened this season during a Monday Night Football game. Taylor's sack of Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann accidentally caused a serious leg injury. Taylor was very upset and immediately called for medical help. Theismann has always said he doesn't blame Taylor for the accident. Taylor himself says he has never watched the video of the play.

Championship Years: 1986–1990 Seasons

In 1986, Taylor had one of the most incredible seasons ever for a defensive player. He led the league with 20.5 sacks. He became one of only two defensive players to win the NFL Most Valuable Player award, and he was the only defensive player to be chosen unanimously for MVP. He also won Defensive Player of the Year for the third time.

The Giants finished the season 14–2. They dominated their playoff games, outscoring opponents 66–3. Taylor was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated before Super Bowl XXI, with a warning to the Denver Broncos about him. The Giants went on to defeat Denver 39–20 in the Super Bowl. Taylor made a crucial tackle near the goal line in the first half, stopping Broncos quarterback John Elway.

After six years, Taylor had achieved an amazing list of honors: Rookie of the Year, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, six-time First-team All-Pro, unanimous MVP, and a Super Bowl championship. Despite all these wins, Taylor felt a sense of emptiness after the Super Bowl. He said the "thrill is the chase" to reach the top.

The Giants had a tougher time in the 1987 NFL season, finishing 6–9. Taylor still led the team with 12 sacks in 12 games.

In 1988, Taylor continued to be a dominant player, leading the team with 15.5 sacks in 12 games. In a very important late-season game against the New Orleans Saints, Taylor played through a torn chest muscle. He recorded seven tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. His shoulder was so injured that he had to wear a special harness. The Giants won the game, and Coach Parcells called it "[t]he greatest game I ever saw." However, the Giants just missed the playoffs that year.

In 1989, Taylor had 15 sacks. He played part of the season with a fractured leg, which he got in a game against the 49ers. Despite his challenges, Taylor was well-liked by his teammates and was voted defensive co-captain. The Giants finished 12–4 and made the playoffs, but lost a close game to the Los Angeles Rams.

Before the 1990 NFL season, Taylor signed a new contract, making him the highest-paid defensive player in the league. Even though he missed training camp, he started the season strong with three sacks in the first game. He finished with 10.5 sacks and earned his 10th Pro Bowl selection in 10 years. The Giants started the season 10–0 and finished with a 13–3 record.

In the playoffs, the Giants defeated the Bears. They then faced their rivals, the 49ers, in the NFC Championship Game. The Giants won 15–13 after Taylor recovered a key fumble late in the game. In Super Bowl XXV, they played the Buffalo Bills and won a very exciting game 20-19, after the Bills missed a field goal in the final seconds.

Final Seasons: 1991–1993

After the 1990 season, Coach Parcells retired. In 1991, Taylor's performance saw a decline. It was the first season he didn't make the Pro Bowl, ending a record streak of ten consecutive selections. He finished with 7 sacks, and the Giants' defense was no longer among the league's top units.

Taylor showed improvement in 1992, but his season was cut short. He suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in a game on November 8, 1992, against Green Bay. This injury sidelined him for the final seven games. Before this, Taylor had only missed four games due to injury in his 12-year career.

Taylor returned for the 1993 NFL season, wanting to end his career on his own terms. The Giants had a strong season, finishing 11–5. Taylor recorded 6 sacks, and the Giants' defense led the NFL in fewest points allowed. They won their first playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings. However, in his final game on January 15, 1994, the Giants lost to the San Francisco 49ers. Taylor announced his retirement after the game, saying he had done everything he could in football.

Taylor ended his career with 1,089 tackles, 132.5 sacks (plus 9.5 unofficial sacks as a rookie), nine interceptions, and two touchdowns.

Lawrence Taylor's Legacy

Lawrence Taylor is widely considered one of the greatest players in NFL history. Many news outlets, media members, and former players and coaches rank him as the top defensive player ever. He was known as one of the most "feared" and "intimidating" players in the league.

Taylor's incredible speed and power changed the outside linebacker position. Before him, linebackers mostly reacted to plays. Taylor made the position about aggression and attack. Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs even created new offensive strategies, like using two tight ends, just to try and stop Taylor from rushing into the backfield.

His skills also changed how offensive coaches blocked linebackers. Running backs used to block blitzing linebackers, but they couldn't stop Taylor. Teams started using bigger offensive linemen to block him. Taylor also introduced new defensive moves, like chopping the ball out of a quarterback's hands to force a turnover, rather than just tackling them. This showed his focus on helping the team win.

Life After Football

Business Ventures

In his last year in the NFL, Taylor started a company called All-Pro Products. The company's stock initially did very well. However, the company later stopped production, and Taylor lost money. He had been tricked by people who manipulated the stock price.

Television and Entertainment

After his football career, Taylor worked in television. He was a football analyst for TNT Sunday Night Football. He also appeared as a wrestler in the World Wrestling Federation, winning a match at WrestleMania XI. He was a commentator for a fighting program called Toughman.

In 1995, during a game where Phil Simms' jersey was retired, Simms threw an impromptu ceremonial pass to Taylor. Taylor caught the pass, to the cheers of the crowd.

Taylor also pursued an acting career. He appeared in the movie Any Given Sunday, playing a character similar to himself. He was in the HBO series The Sopranos and the film The Waterboy. He also had a role in the 2000 movie Shaft. Taylor lent his voice to the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and the Blitz: The League video game series, which were partly inspired by his life. He also acted in the 2000 Christian film Mercy Streets and the 2003 prison movie In Hell.

Hall of Fame Induction

In 1999, Lawrence Taylor became eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was voted in on the very first try. His son, Lawrence Taylor Jr., gave his introduction speech at the induction ceremony. Taylor thanked his family and former Giants owner Wellington Mara for their support.

Autobiography and Public Appearances

In 2004, Taylor released his autobiography, LT: Over the Edge. He often talked about his football years and called that part of his life the "L.T." period. He described "L.T." as someone who loved excitement and lived life on a thrill ride. In 2003, Taylor said that "L.T. died a long time ago, and I don't miss him at all... all that's left is Lawrence Taylor."

Taylor signing autographs at a collectors show in Houston in January 2014

Taylor appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2006, where he shared that his hobby of golf helped him. He also co-founded a company called eXfuze. His son, Brandon, played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers. Taylor was a contestant on the 8th season of Dancing with the Stars in 2009.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular season

* Unofficial statistic (sacks did not become an official statistic until 1982). However, this number is stated on Taylor's Pro Football Hall of Fame bio and is considered to be accurate.

† Including the 9.5 Taylor unofficially recorded as a rookie, his total is 142.

• NFL 'unofficial' record: 56 career forced fumbles (watch all 56 forced fumbles here)

Awards and Honors

NFL

• 2× Super Bowl champion (XXI, XXV)
• NFL Most Valuable Player (1986)
• 3× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1981, 1982, 1986)
• NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1981)
• Bert Bell Award (1986)
• PFWA NFL MVP (1986)
• DC Touchdown Club NFL Player of the Year (1986)
• Sporting News NFL MVP (1986)
• 2× UPI NFC Player of the Year (1983, 1986)
• 2× 101 Awards NFC Defensive Player of the Year (1984, 1986)
• PFW NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1986)
• George Halas Trophy (1986)
• 10× Pro Bowl (1981–1990)
• 8× First Team All-Pro (1981–1986, 1988, 1989)
• 2× Second Team All-Pro (1987, 1990)
• 6× NEA First Team All-Pro (1981–1986)
• 2× NEA Second Team All-Pro (1988, 1989)
• 6× Sporting News All-Pro Team (1981, 1983–1986, 1988)
• 8× PFW All-Pro Team (1981–1984, 1986–1989)
• 9× UPI All-NFC Team (1981–1986, 1988–1990)
• 8× PFWA All-NFL Team (1981–1986, 1988, 1989)
• PFWA All-Rookie Team (1981)
• NFL sacks leader (1986)
• 4× NFL forced fumbles leader (1982, 1984, 1985, 1988)
• NFL approximate value leader (1985)
• NFL 1980s All-Decade Team (unanimous selection)
• NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
• NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team (unanimous selection)
• New York Giants Ring of Honor
• The Greatest New York Giant of All Time
• New York Giants No. 56 retired
• NFL record for sacks in a single season by a linebacker with 20.5 (1986)
• NFL "unofficial" record for career forced fumbles with 56

College

• 2× ACC Champion (1977, 1980)
• 1977 Liberty Bowl Champion
• 1979 Gator Bowl Champion
• 1980 Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl Champion
• 1981 East–West Shrine Bowl Champion
• ACC Player of the Year (1980)
• Unanimous All-American (1980)
  • AFCA All-American
  • AP First Team All-American
  • FWAA All-American
  • UPI First Team All-American
  • NEA Second Team All-American
  • Sporting News All-American
• First Team All-ACC (1980)
• UNC Patterson Medal (1981)
• East–West Shrine Bowl All-Century Team
• ACC 50th Anniversary Team
• North Carolina Tar Heels Jersey No. 98 honored
• North Carolina record for sacks in a single season with 16 (1980)
• In 2003, Taylor was ranked #7 on the Atlantic Coast Conference's list of Top 10 Male Athletes of All Time

Halls of Fame

• Pro Football Hall of Fame – Class of 1999
• Virginia Sports Hall of Fame – Class of 2003

Media

• ESPN American Athlete of the Year (1986)
• 6× ESPN NFL Pass Rusher of the Year (1981–1986)
• WrestleMania XI Main Event Winner (1995)
• Ranked #5 on the Associated Press' list of Greatest Football Players of the 20th Century (1999)
• Ranked #40 on SportsCentury: Top 50 North American Athletes of the 20th Century (1999)
• Ranked #3 on The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players (2010)
• Ranked #2 on the New York Daily News list of Top 50 NFL Players of All Time (2014)
• 2× NFL.com's Greatest Defensive Player of All Time (2016, 2022)
• ESPN's All-Time All-ACC Team (2019)
• Ranked #42 on the list of ESPN's Top 150 Greatest College Football Players of All Time (2020)
• Ranked #4 on The Athletic's list of Top 100 NFL Players of All Time (2021)
• ESPN's Greatest NFL Edge Rusher of All Time (2022)
• The 33rd Team's NFL All-Time Defensive Front 7 Team (2023)
• Harold & Carole Pump Foundation – Lifetime Achievement Award (2024)

See also

In Spanish: Lawrence Taylor para niños

• History of the New York Giants (1979–1993)
• List of New York Giants players
• List of NFL career sacks leaders