Lawrence Taylor

American football linebacker widely regarded as the greatest defensive player in NFL history, revolutionized the position with the New York Giants.

Lawrence Julius Taylor was born in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1959. New York Giants selected him second overall in 1981. His 13-season career transformed professional football — opposing teams redesigned his entire offensive strategy because of how he played. He won two Super Bowls with the Giants (1987, 1991). He was named NFL MVP in 1986 — the only defensive player to win the award in the modern era — and Defensive Player of the Year three times (1981, 1982, 1986). He recorded 132.5 career sacks. He was selected to 10 Pro Bowls. His combination of speed, strength, pass-rushing ability and instinct made him virtually unblockable by a single player. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999 and named to the NFL 100 All-Time Team. The consensus greatest defensive player in NFL history.

Explosive speed off the edge, relentless pass rusher, exceptional instincts, intimidating physical presence, ability to disrupt entire offensive gameplans

Transformed how teams approach pass protection and linebacker play, setting the standard for modern defensive schemes

• Super Bowl Champion 1987, 1991 (New York Giants)
• NFL MVP 1986
• NFL Defensive Player of Year 1981, 1982, 1983
• Pro Bowl 10x
• All-Pro 8x
• Considered greatest defensive player in NFL history
• NFL Rookie of the Year 1981
• NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
• NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
• New York Giants Ring of Honor