Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tyrod Taylor

Discover the career path of Tyrod Taylor, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Tyrod Taylor is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the New York Jets. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft after playing college football at Virginia Tech. Taylor is known for his mobility and arm strength, and has played for several NFL teams throughout his career, including the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, and Los Angeles Chargers. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, consistency and durability have been challenges throughout his professional career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 8, 2007: College Football Debut

On September 8, 2007, Tyrod Taylor made his college football debut against LSU, completing 7 of 18 passes and rushing for 44 yards, including his first collegiate touchdown.

2007: High School Ranking

In 2007, upon graduating from Hampton High School, Tyrod Taylor was highly rated as a dual-threat quarterback, earning rankings from Rivals.com, ESPN.com, and Scout.com.

2008: Redshirt Taken Off

In 2008, after Virginia Tech's loss to East Carolina University, Tyrod Taylor's redshirt was taken off due to the team's need for more offense, and he made his first appearance against Furman, rushing for 112 yards and a touchdown.

January 1, 2009: Orange Bowl Victory

On January 1, 2009, Tyrod Taylor led the Virginia Tech Hokies to a 20–7 victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats in the 2009 Orange Bowl.

2009: Junior Season at Virginia Tech

In 2009, during his junior season, Tyrod Taylor led the Virginia Tech Hokies to a 10-3 record, finishing the season ranked 10th in both the AP and USA Today Top 25 polls, and won the Chick-fil-A Bowl against Tennessee.

2010: Senior Season at Virginia Tech

In 2010, Tyrod Taylor led the Hokies to a turnaround season, winning 11 consecutive games and becoming ACC Champions, also earning recognition as ACC Player of the Year and ACC Championship Game MVP.

December 4, 2011: First Regular Season Game

On December 4, 2011, Tyrod Taylor played in his first regular season game, rushing for a two-yard gain in a victory over the Cleveland Browns.

2011: East-West Shrine Game Participation

In 2011, Tyrod Taylor participated in the East-West Shrine Game, completing four of his five passes for 59 yards.

2011: Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens

In 2011, Tyrod Taylor was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round as the 180th overall pick.

March 12, 2015: Signed with Buffalo Bills

On March 12, 2015, Tyrod Taylor signed a three-year contract with the Buffalo Bills.

August 31, 2015: Named Starting Quarterback for Bills

On August 31, 2015, Tyrod Taylor was named the starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills after a preseason competition.

2015: Played Over 50% of Snaps

During the 2015 season, Tyrod Taylor played more than 50% of the snaps, voiding the third year of his contract.

2015: Signed with Buffalo Bills

In 2015, Tyrod Taylor signed with the Buffalo Bills as a free agent and became their starting quarterback, eventually earning a Pro Bowl appearance.

2015: Successful 2015 Season

In the 2015 season, Tyrod Taylor completed 63.7% of his passes, throwing for over 3,000 yards with 20 touchdowns and added 568 rushing yards.

January 25, 2016: Selected to the Pro Bowl

On January 25, 2016, Tyrod Taylor was selected to the Pro Bowl, replacing Cam Newton. He completed 8 of 14 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown, but also threw three interceptions.

August 12, 2016: Signed Contract Extension with Bills

On August 12, 2016, Tyrod Taylor signed a six-year extension worth $92 million with the Buffalo Bills, which contained an option after the first year.

2017: Playoff Berth with Bills

In 2017, Tyrod Taylor helped the Buffalo Bills make their first playoff appearance in 18 years.

March 2018: Traded to Cleveland Browns

In March 2018, Tyrod Taylor was traded to the Cleveland Browns, while the Bills drafted Josh Allen to replace him.

2020: Contribution to Virginia Peninsula Foodbank

In 2020, Tyrod Taylor, through his foundation, contributed $25,000 to the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank during the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 14, 2024: Signed with New York Jets

On March 14, 2024, Tyrod Taylor signed a two-year deal with the New York Jets, later throwing a touchdown pass in his lone drive during garbage time in Week 1 against the 49ers and two touchdowns replacing Aaron Rodgers in Week 17 against the Bills.