History of Lawrence Taylor in Timeline

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

February 4, 1959: Lawrence Taylor's Birth

On February 4, 1959, Lawrence Julius Taylor, later nicknamed "L.T.", was born. He would become a celebrated American football linebacker.

Others born on this day/year

1977: Graduation from High School

In 1977, Lawrence Taylor graduated from Lafayette High School.

1980: All-American Recognition

In 1980, Lawrence Taylor was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American and the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year while at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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: Drug Use

During his professional rookie season in 1981, Lawrence Taylor began using illicit drugs.

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: Drug Use

During 1982, Lawrence Taylor routinely obtained his teammates' urine to submit as his own urine samples.

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.

December 14, 1983: $1 Million Loan from Donald Trump

On December 14, 1983, Lawrence Taylor was given a $1 million interest-free loan by New Jersey Generals owner Donald Trump, with the provision that he begin playing in the USFL in 1988. Taylor regretted the decision, and less than a month later attempted to renege.

1983: Training Camp Holdout

In 1983, Lawrence Taylor engaged in a training camp holdout that lasted three weeks.

1983: Injured against the Eagles

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.

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.

1987: Positive Drug Test

In 1987, Lawrence Taylor tested positive for cocaine and admitted to using it.

1987: Strike Shortened Season and Picket Line Controversy

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.

1988: Taylor Supposed to Play in the USFL

According to a provision of a loan Lawrence Taylor received in 1983, he was supposed to begin playing in the USFL in 1988.

1988: Suspension

In 1988, Lawrence Taylor failed a second drug test, leading to a 30-day suspension by the NFL.

1988: Suspension for Substance Abuse

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.

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.

1990: False Tax Return

Lawrence Taylor filed a false tax return in 1990.

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.

1993: Retirement

In 1993, Lawrence Taylor retired and saw drugs as the only bright spot in his future.

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.

September 4, 1995: Phil Simms' Jersey Retirement and Impromptu Pass

On September 4, 1995, during halftime of a game against the Cowboys, the Giants retired Phil Simms' jersey. Simms threw an impromptu ceremonial pass to Lawrence Taylor, which Taylor caught.

1995: Drug Rehab

In 1995, Lawrence Taylor went through drug rehab twice and associated with drug users.

1997: Guilty Plea

In 1997, Lawrence Taylor pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return in 1990.

2000: Sentencing for Tax Evasion

In 2000, Lawrence Taylor was sentenced to three months of house arrest, five years of probation, and 500 hours of community service for tax evasion.

April 21, 2009: Eliminated from Dancing with the Stars

On April 21, 2009, Lawrence Taylor was eliminated in the seventh week of the 8th season of Dancing with the Stars, where he was partnered with Edyta Śliwińska.

2010: Arrest for Statutory Rape

In 2010, Lawrence Taylor's personal life came under scrutiny when he was arrested for the statutory rape of a 16-year-old girl.

March 22, 2011: Taylor Pleads Guilty

On March 22, 2011, Lawrence Taylor pleaded guilty to misdemeanors of sexual misconduct and patronizing a prostitute as part of a plea agreement. He was sentenced to six years of probation and registered as a low-risk, level-one sex offender.

October 26, 2012: Court Rejects Victim's Claims

On October 26, 2012, a court rejected the victim's claims that Taylor assaulted her.

June 9, 2016: Wife Arrested for Domestic Violence

On June 9, 2016, Lawrence Taylor's wife was arrested in Florida for domestic violence after she struck Taylor in the back of the head with an unknown object.

September 2, 2016: DUI Arrest

On September 2, 2016, Lawrence Taylor crashed into a stopped police car in Palm Beach County, Florida, and was later arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Breathalyzer tests taken five hours after the crash showed his blood-alcohol level exceeded the Florida legal limit.

July 2024: Arrested for Failing to Report New Residency

In July 2024, Lawrence Taylor was arrested in Florida for failing to report a new residency, which is a requirement due to his status as a registered sex offender. Taylor turned himself in and was released with no bail after spending several hours in jail, and he was criminally charged for this second offense. His attorney stated that he would plead not guilty, describing the incident as a 'misunderstanding'.