Selected second overall in the 1981 NFL draft, Lawrence Julius Taylor transformed the defensive landscape of professional football during his thirteen seasons with the New York Giants. Known as L.T., he earned recognition as a dominant outside linebacker whose physical presence and tactical disruption forced NFL teams to overhaul their blocking schemes and offensive formations throughout the 1980s.
Early Development and College Career
Born in 1959 in Williamsburg, Virginia, Taylor attended Lafayette High School before enrolling at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He did not begin organized football until the age of fifteen. At the collegiate level, he transitioned from a defensive lineman to a linebacker by 1979. By his senior year in 1980, he set team records, including 16 sacks, and earned consensus first-team All-American honors.
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Upon joining the New York Giants, Taylor immediately secured the 1981 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He holds the distinction of being the only player to win the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award during a rookie campaign. His 1986 season performance resulted in him being named the league's Most Valuable Player, a rare feat for a defensive player. He was an integral part of the Big Blue Wrecking Crew, securing victories in Super Bowls XXI and XXV.
Life Beyond the Gridiron
Following his retirement from professional football, Taylor engaged in various occupations including film acting and work as a color commentator. His post-playing years were marked by significant personal legal challenges and public scrutiny regarding his conduct. He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport. His career remains a central reference point in the history of defensive strategy in American football.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, Williamsburg
- College: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- NFL Draft: 1981, 2nd overall pick
- Team: New York Giants
- Positions: Linebacker
- Awards: Pro Football Hall of Fame
Questions readers ask
How many seasons did Lawrence Taylor play in the NFL?
He played for 13 seasons, all with the New York Giants.
What specific award did he win in his rookie season?
He was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
