Jason Taylor
Inducted:
2017
Player Stats
6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
244 lb (111 kg)
Born:
September 1, 1974
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Defensive end
College:
Akron (1993–1996)
Jason Taylor was one of the most disruptive edge defenders of his generation, combining rare length, speed, and technique to dominate offensive lines. Spending most of his career with the Miami Dolphins, Taylor built a reputation as a relentless pass rusher who could take over games with his explosiveness.
He excelled not only at sacking quarterbacks but also at creating turnovers, leading the league in fumble return touchdowns and ranking among the top in strip-sacks throughout his career. Taylor’s impact extended beyond defense—he was dangerous with the ball in his hands and consistently shifted momentum with timely plays.
His leadership, durability, and professionalism made him a cornerstone of Miami’s defense and one of the NFL’s most respected veterans. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017, Taylor remains remembered as a complete defender who influenced the evolution of the modern edge rusher.
Taylor's Awards and Honors
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2006)
- Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2007)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2000, 2002, 2006)
- Second-team All-Pro (2001)
- 6× Pro Bowl (2000, 2002, 2004–2007)
NFL Records
- NFL sacks leader (2002)
- NFL forced fumbles leader (2006)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- Most fumble return touchdowns by a defensive player in NFL history
- One of the highest sack totals ever by a defensive end
- Only defensive lineman with multiple seasons of 6+ forced fumbles and 10+ sacks
NFL Teams
Miami Dolphins (1997–2007,2009,2011)
Washington Redskins (2008)
New York Jets (2010)
NFL Draft:
1997: 3rd round, 73rd overall pick
Miami Dolphins
Number Worn:
99, 55
NFL Stats
Seasons:
15 (1997–2011)
Games Played:
233
Starts:
199
Tackles:
788
Sacks:
139.5
Safeties:
3
Forced fumbles:
48
Fumble recoveries:
29
Interceptions:
8
Pass deflections:
87
Defensive touchdowns:
9