Lawrence Taylor
Inducted:
1999
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
237 lb (108 kg)
Born:
February 4, 1959
Williamsburg, Virginia, U.S.
Position:
Linebacker
College:
North Carolina (1977–1980)
Lawrence Taylor, widely regarded as the most dominant defensive player in NFL history, revolutionized the linebacker position with his speed, power, and relentless pursuit. Playing his entire career for the New York Giants (1981–1993), Taylor redefined pass rushing and defensive schemes, forcing offenses to alter their blocking strategies. He earned 10 Pro Bowl selections, 8 First-Team All-Pro honors, and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times.
Taylor’s peak came in 1986 when he won both the NFL MVP and Defensive Player of the Year—the only defensive player ever to earn league MVP honors. Known for game-changing plays, he could disrupt both the run and pass, creating turnovers and setting the tone for his team. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999, Lawrence Taylor remains a transformative figure whose influence reshaped modern defensive football and set a new standard for athletic linebackers.
Taylor's Awards and Honors
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XXI, XXV)
- 3× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1981, 1982, 1986)
- 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 Records
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1986)
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1981)
- NFL sacks leader (1986)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL Teams
New York Giants (1981–1993)
NFL Draft:
1981: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
New York Giants
Number Worn:
56
NFL Stats
Seasons:
13 (1981-1993)
Games Played:
184
Games Started:
180
Tackles:
1,088
Sacks:
142
Fumble recoveries:
11
Interceptions:
9
Defensive touchdowns:
2
