Aqib Talib is a former American football cornerback who played in the NFL. He played college football at the University of Kansas, earning All-American honors. He was drafted in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his NFL career, he also played for the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Rams. Notably, he won Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos. After retiring from professional football, he transitioned into a broadcasting career, starting as an analyst for NFL on Fox in 2020.
July 2008: Fight with Teammate
In July 2008, during the NFL rookie symposium, Aqib Talib was involved in a fight with fellow Buccaneers rookie Cory Boyd.
August 20, 2009: Arrest for Battery
On August 20, 2009, Aqib Talib was arrested and charged with resisting arrest and battery of a taxi driver.
March 2011: Felony Warrant Issued
In March 2011, a felony warrant was issued for Aqib Talib's arrest on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
May 2011: Indicted on Assault Charge
In May 2011, Aqib Talib was indicted on the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
June 18, 2012: Assault Charges Dropped
On June 18, 2012, aggravated assault charges against Aqib Talib were dropped due to insufficient evidence.
October 13, 2012: NFL Suspension for Performance-Enhancing Substances
On October 13, 2012, Aqib Talib was suspended by the NFL for four games due to a positive test for Adderall, a violation of the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Talib admitted to taking the Adderall without a prescription.
November 1, 2012: Trade to New England Patriots
On November 1, 2012, Aqib Talib was traded from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the New England Patriots along with a seventh-round draft pick in exchange for a fourth-round pick.
November 12, 2012: Return from Suspension
Aqib Talib returned from his four-game suspension on November 12, 2012, and was named a starting cornerback for the Patriots.
November 18, 2012: Patriots Debut
On November 18, 2012, Talib made his debut with the New England Patriots, contributing significantly to a 59-24 win against the Colts with an interception returned for a touchdown.
March 16, 2013: Re-signs with Patriots
On March 16, 2013, the Patriots signed Talib to a one-year contract.
September 12, 2013: Strong Performance Against the Jets
On September 12, 2013, Talib had a strong performance in a win against the New York Jets, recording two interceptions and two pass deflections.
2013: Draft Picks Resulting from Talib Trade
In 2013, as a result of the Talib trade the previous year, the Buccaneers drafted William Gholston and the Patriots drafted Michael Buchanan.
2013: AFC Championship and Injury
In the 2013 AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos, Talib suffered a knee injury after a hit by Wes Welker, impacting the Patriots' defense in their loss.
2013: First Playoff Game and AFC Championship
In 2013, Talib started in his first playoff game, contributing to a win against the Houston Texans. The Patriots then lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship.
March 11, 2014: Signs with Denver Broncos
On March 11, 2014, Talib signed a six-year contract with the Denver Broncos, reuniting with former teammate Chris Harris Jr.
October 12, 2014: Touchdown Against the Jets
On October 12, 2014, Talib scored a touchdown against the New York Jets on an interception return.
December 23, 2014: Pro Bowl Selection
On December 23, 2014, Talib was selected for the Pro Bowl.
2014: Named Starting Cornerback for Broncos
In 2014, Talib was named a starting cornerback for the Denver Broncos.
2014: Pro Bowl and All-Pro Selection
In 2014, Talib was recognized for his 2013 season performance with his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. He was also ranked 79th on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
January 25, 2015: Plays in Pro Bowl
On January 25, 2015, Aqib Talib participated in the Pro Bowl as part of Team Carter.
November 8, 2015: Eye-Poking Incident and Suspension
On November 8, 2015, during a game against the Colts, Talib was penalized and later suspended for poking Colts tight end Dwayne Allen in the eye.
January 24, 2016: Key Play in AFC Championship
On January 24, 2016, Talib made a crucial play in the AFC Championship game against the Patriots, deflecting a pass that led to an interception and secured the Broncos' victory.
February 7, 2016: Super Bowl 50 Appearance
On February 7, 2016, Aqib Talib played in his first Super Bowl, contributing five solo tackles and two deflected passes to the Denver Broncos' 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers. However, he also received two personal foul penalties for altercations with Corey Brown, including taunting and a face-mask grab.
March 26, 2016: Marriage to Gypsy Benitez
On March 26, 2016, Aqib Talib married his long-time girlfriend, Gypsy Benitez.
June 5, 2016: Shooting Incident
On June 5, 2016, Aqib Talib was involved in a shooting incident where he claimed to have been shot, but later admitted to accidentally shooting himself.
2016: Strong Season Performance and Accolades
In 2016, Aqib Talib had a strong season with 12 pass deflections, three interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown), and earned Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro honors. His interception return for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in week 2 was his fifth as a Bronco, a franchise record.
September 17, 2017: Career-Long Interception Return
On September 17, 2017, Aqib Talib had a standout performance against the Dallas Cowboys, scoring a 103-yard interception return touchdown, the longest of his career.
December 19, 2017: Fifth Pro Bowl Selection
Aqib Talib was selected to his fifth Pro Bowl on December 19, 2017.
2017: Ranked Among Top NFL Players
Aqib Talib was ranked 37th on the NFL Top 100 Players list in 2017, as voted by his peers.
March 8, 2018: Trade to Los Angeles Rams
On March 8, 2018, the Denver Broncos agreed to trade Aqib Talib to the Los Angeles Rams.
March 14, 2018: Trade to Rams Official
The trade sending Aqib Talib to the Los Angeles Rams became official on March 14, 2018.
September 26, 2018: Placed on Injured Reserve
On September 26, 2018, Aqib Talib was placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury.
November 30, 2018: Activated from Injured Reserve
Aqib Talib was activated from injured reserve on November 30, 2018, after recovering from ankle surgery.
2018: Ranked Among Top NFL Players
In 2018, Aqib Talib was ranked 53rd on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
October 14, 2019: Placed on Injured Reserve
Aqib Talib was placed on injured reserve on October 14, 2019, due to a rib injury.
October 29, 2019: Traded to Miami Dolphins
On October 29, 2019, Aqib Talib was traded to the Miami Dolphins.
September 9, 2020: Retirement from NFL
On September 9, 2020, Aqib Talib announced his retirement from the NFL.
2021: Begins Broadcasting Career, Steps Away
In 2021, Aqib Talib started working as a commentator for Fox Sports and planned to join Amazon Prime Video, but later withdrew due to legal issues.
August 2022: Brother's Involvement in Fatal Shooting
In August 2022, Aqib Talib's brother, Yaqub Talib, was involved in a fatal shooting incident. Witnesses claimed Aqib initiated the altercation.
2022: No Play for Dolphins, Becomes Free Agent
Aqib Talib did not play for the Dolphins in 2022 as he was on injured reserve at the time of the trade and became a free agent after the season.