Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Lawrence Taylor. A timeline of obstacles and growth.
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.
During his professional rookie season in 1981, Lawrence Taylor began using illicit drugs.
During 1982, Lawrence Taylor routinely obtained his teammates' urine to submit as his own urine samples.
In 1983, Lawrence Taylor engaged in a training camp holdout that lasted three weeks.
In a 1983 game against the Eagles, Lawrence Taylor was so injured that the team's training staff had to hide his helmet to prevent him from returning to the field.
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.
In 1987, Lawrence Taylor tested positive for cocaine and admitted to using it.
In the strike-shortened 1987 season, the Giants struggled, falling to 6-9. Lawrence Taylor caused strife by crossing the picket line, citing financial reasons. He led the team in sacks with 12 but missed a game due to a hamstring injury.
In 1988, Lawrence Taylor failed a second drug test, leading to a 30-day suspension by the NFL.
In 1988, Lawrence Taylor tested positive for cocaine and was suspended by the NFL for thirty days, marking his second violation of the league's substance abuse policy. He entered rehab and returned to lead the team in sacks with 15.5. In a game against the New Orleans Saints, Taylor played through a torn pectoral muscle.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 1993, Lawrence Taylor retired and saw drugs as the only bright spot in his future.
In 1995, Lawrence Taylor went through drug rehab twice and associated with drug users.
In 2010, Lawrence Taylor's personal life came under scrutiny when he was arrested for the statutory rape of a 16-year-old girl.
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