Legend Profile: Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor entered the league in 1981. Immediately his talent was felt, and the future hall of famer recorded 9.5 sacks as a rookie. His controversial and spectacular career reached a pinnacle in 1986 with a MVP season (only defensive player since to win the award) as well as 20.5 sacks in the regular season, whilst also leading the giants to a championship over John Elway and the Broncos.

After six years, Taylor had been named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1981), NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times (1981, 1982, 1986), First-team All-Pro six times, as well as the second defensive player in NFL history to be voted the league's MVP (1986), while leading his team to a Super Bowl title.

He wasn’t satisfied with just a sack but always wanted to come away with the ball. Walking away from the game as one of the best players to ever master the strip sack. The ferocity that he brought to the defense set the tone for the Giants through the 1980’s, establishing himself as one of the most potent pass rushers ever to play the game.

Taylor concluded his playing career in 1993 with a total of 132.5 sacks, 9 intercepts and 11 fumbles recovered. His decorated career was illustrious not only for his ability on the field, but his determination to overcome his off the field demons, that involved scandals and drugs. However, his presence is ubiquitous in NFL circles as one of the toughest and most talented players to had ever played the game.

(For game highlights see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWB9ia_ZPjk Video credit: John Smith)