Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor is a retired American football player, born on February 4, 1959, in Williamsburg, Virginia. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers of all time. Taylor began his professional career with the New York Giants in 1981, where he won multiple titles, including two Super Bowl championships.

Taylor is known for his incredible speed, strength, tackling ability, and versatility. He has won numerous individual awards, including three Defensive Player of the Year titles, and holds multiple records, such as 132.5 career sacks.

Off the field, Taylor has faced various personal challenges but remains a respected figure in the sport.

New York Giants

• Early Success: Taylor was drafted by the New York Giants in 1981. His impact was immediate, leading the NFL in sacks in his rookie season and helping the Giants to two Super Bowl victories during his career.

Retirement

• Retirement: Taylor retired from professional football in 1993. Despite struggles with drug addiction during his career, his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history remains intact.

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• Position: Primarily a linebacker.
• Skills: Known for his speed, strength, tackling ability, and game-changing plays. Taylor is celebrated for his ability to disrupt the opponents offensive game plan.

• Family: Taylor has been married three times and has three children.
• Challenges: After retiring from football, Taylor faced various legal and personal issues, including struggles with drug addiction and financial problems.

• Lawrence Taylor is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his aggressive playing style, which has influenced the way the game is played today. Despite his off-field issues, his impact on the sport and his status as an icon remain unfazed.

NFL All-Decade Team (1980s):

• Inducted in 1990

Pro Football Hall of Fame:

• Inducted in 1999

Most Sacks in a Season:

• 20.5 sacks (1986)

Most Career Sacks:

• 132.5 career sacks

Books

• Taylor, L., & Serby, S. (1987). LT: Living on the Edge. New York: Times Books.
• Freeman, M. (2010) LT: Over the Edge. New York: Harper.

Websites

• NFL: Information about Lawrence Taylor’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.nfl.com
• New York Giants: Details about Taylor’s career at New York Giants. Available at: https://www.giants.com

Articles

• ESPN: Lawrence Taylor: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/64/lawrence-taylor
• The New York Times: Lawrence Taylor’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/topic/person/lawrence-taylor

Interviews and Documentaries

• LT: The Life & Times (2013): Directed by Peter Radovich Jr. This documentary provides a detailed look at Taylor’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Lawrence Taylor, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.espn.com