Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Lawrence Taylor

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Lawrence Taylor made an impact.

Lawrence Taylor, known as L.T., is a retired American football linebacker who played 13 seasons in the NFL, all with the New York Giants. Widely considered the greatest defensive player in football history, Taylor revolutionized the linebacker position with his exceptional speed, strength, and disruptive pass-rushing abilities. His impact on the game is undeniable, influencing defensive strategies and setting a new standard for linebackers.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1980: Giants Defense Reduced Points Allowed

In 1980, the Giants defense allowed 425 points. Lawrence Taylor's arrival helped the Giants defense reduce their points allowed from 425 points in 1980 to 257 in 1981.

August 8, 1981: NFL Exhibition Debut

On August 8, 1981, Lawrence Taylor made his NFL exhibition debut, recording 2 sacks in the Giants' 23–7 win over the Chicago Bears.

September 6, 1981: NFL Regular Season Debut

On September 6, 1981, Lawrence Taylor made his NFL regular season debut in a 24–10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

1981: NFL Draft and Accolades

In 1981, Lawrence Taylor was drafted by the New York Giants as the second overall pick. He was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year in his rookie season.

1981: Drafted by the New York Giants

In 1981, Lawrence Taylor was drafted by the New York Giants in the first round as the 2nd pick overall.

1981: NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award

In 1981, Lawrence Taylor was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

1982: Thanksgiving Day Interception

In 1982, Lawrence Taylor intercepted a pass and returned it 97 yards for a touchdown in the Thanksgiving Day game against the Detroit Lions. This play was indicative of Taylor's unusual combination, even for a linebacker, of power with speed.

1982: NFL Defensive Player of the Year

In 1982, Lawrence Taylor was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the second time.

1982: Bill Walsh's Tactic

In the 1982 playoffs, San Francisco 49ers head coach Bill Walsh employed a tactic using an offensive guard to block Lawrence Taylor, which was later copied around the league.

1984: Giants Rebound Season

In 1984, the Giants' record rebounded to 9–7, and Lawrence Taylor had his fourth All-Pro season, recording four sacks in a September game.

1984: Giants Pre-Season Record

The Giants headed into the 1985 season with a sense of optimism after their successful 1984 campaign and a 5–0 pre-season record.

1985: Sack Ends Theismann's Career

In 1985, Lawrence Taylor's sack of Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann resulted in a compound fracture of Theismann's right leg, ending Theismann's career.

1986: MVP Season

In 1986, Lawrence Taylor achieved a career-high of 20.5 sacks. He was also named the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his performance during the 1986 season.

1986: League-Leading Sacks and MVP Award

In 1986, Lawrence Taylor had a successful season, leading the league with 20.5 sacks. He became one of two defensive players to win the NFL Most Valuable Player award and the only one to be the unanimous selection for MVP. He was also named Defensive Player of the Year for the third time. The Giants finished the season 14–2, and Taylor appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated leading up to Super Bowl XXI. In Super Bowl XXI, the Giants defeated Denver 39–20.

1986: MVP Award and Championship

In 1986, Lawrence Taylor was unanimously voted the league's MVP and led his team to a championship.

1987: Rogers Forced to Retire

In 1987, George Rogers was forced to retire after just seven seasons due to injury-proneness.

1989: Season with Fractured Tibia

In 1989, Lawrence Taylor recorded 15 sacks but played the latter part of the season with a fractured tibia. Despite off-the-field issues, he was voted defensive co-captain. The Giants went 12-4 but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Rams.

1990: Contract Dispute, Super Bowl Victory

In 1990, Lawrence Taylor held out of training camp demanding a new contract, eventually signing a three-year $5 million contract. He recorded 10.5 sacks and earned his 10th Pro Bowl selection. The Giants went 13-3 and won Super Bowl XXV against the Buffalo Bills 20-19.

1991: Decline in Production

In 1991, Lawrence Taylor's production declined, and it was the first season in his career in which he did not make the Pro Bowl squad. He finished with 7 sacks.

November 8, 1992: Ruptured Achilles Tendon

On November 8, 1992, Lawrence Taylor suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in a game against Green Bay, sidelining him for the final seven games of the season.

January 15, 1994: Final Game and Retirement Announcement

On January 15, 1994, Lawrence Taylor played his final game, a 44-3 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He announced his retirement at the post-game press conference after 13 years in the NFL.