Tyrod Taylor is an NFL quarterback currently playing for the New York Jets. He rose to prominence playing college football for Virginia Tech, leading them to two Orange Bowl appearances. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2011, Taylor served as backup to Joe Flacco and was part of the Super Bowl XLVII winning team.
1925: Historic Win for the Giants
Tyrod Taylor secured a historic victory as the first black quarterback to win a game for the New York Giants since their inaugural season in the NFL in 1925.
August 3, 1989: Birth of Tyrod Taylor
Tyrod Diallo Taylor was born on August 3, 1989. This event marks the beginning of his life.
2002: Drew Bledsoe Sets Bills' Franchise Record
Drew Bledsoe set the Buffalo Bills' franchise record for consecutive passes without an interception in the third quarter of a game in 2002.
September 8, 2007: College Football Debut and First Collegiate Touchdown
On September 8, 2007, Tyrod Taylor made his college football debut against the LSU Tigers. He showcased his versatility by completing 7-of-18 passes for 62 yards and rushing for 44 yards, including his first collegiate touchdown. Following this impressive debut, he was named the starting quarterback by head coach Frank Beamer.
2007: High School Graduation and Top Quarterback Ranking
Tyrod Taylor graduated from Hampton High School in 2007. He was highly regarded as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback by Rivals.com, reflecting his exceptional skills and potential.
2008: High Ankle Sprain and ACC Championship Game MVP
During the 2008 season, Tyrod Taylor suffered a high ankle sprain in a game against Florida State. Despite this setback, he returned to action and led the Hokies to victory in the ACC Championship Game against Boston College, earning himself the title of ACC Championship Game MVP.
2008: Redshirt Season and First Sophomore Start
Initially intended to be redshirted in the 2008 season, Tyrod Taylor's redshirt status was lifted due to Virginia Tech's need for offensive firepower after a loss to East Carolina University. His first appearance came against Furman, rushing for 112 yards and a touchdown. He made his first start of his sophomore year the following week against Georgia Tech.
January 1, 2009: Victory in the 2009 Orange Bowl
On January 1, 2009, Tyrod Taylor led the Hokies to a decisive 20-7 victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats in the 2009 Orange Bowl, showcasing his ability to perform on a big stage.
2009: Junior Season and Chick-fil-A Bowl Victory
Tyrod Taylor's junior season in 2009 saw him leading the Hokies to a 9-3 regular season record and a 2nd-place finish in the Coastal Division of the ACC. They went on to win the Chick-fil-A Bowl against the Tennessee Volunteers, ending the season with a 10-3 record and a top 10 ranking in national polls.
2009: Sophomore Season at Virginia Tech & Orange Bowl Appearance
In 2009, Tyrod Taylor led the Virginia Tech Hokies to the Orange Bowl during his sophomore year.
2010: Senior Season Turnaround and ACC Championship
Despite a challenging 0-2 start in his senior season in 2010, Tyrod Taylor orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, leading the Hokies to 11 consecutive victories. They finished the regular season as ACC Champions with a perfect 8-0 record in conference play and defeated Florida State in the ACC Championship game. Taylor's exceptional performance earned him ACC Player of the Year and ACC Championship Game Most Valuable Player honors.
December 4, 2011: First Regular Season Game in the NFL
Tyrod Taylor played in his first regular season NFL game on December 4, 2011, contributing to the Baltimore Ravens' victory over the Cleveland Browns.
2011: Senior Year at Virginia Tech & Orange Bowl Appearance
During his senior year in 2011, Tyrod Taylor again led the Virginia Tech Hokies to the Orange Bowl.
2011: Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens
In the 2011 NFL Draft, Tyrod Taylor was selected in the sixth round by the Baltimore Ravens, marking the beginning of his professional football journey.
2011: Participation in the East-West Shrine Game
Tyrod Taylor participated in the 2011 East-West Shrine Game, completing four of his five passes for 59 yards. This game is an annual college football all-star game, showcasing the talents of graduating seniors to NFL scouts and fans.
March 12, 2015: Signing with the Buffalo Bills
On March 12, 2015, Tyrod Taylor signed a three-year, $3.35 million contract with the Buffalo Bills. This move marked the beginning of his tenure with the Bills and a significant step in his NFL career.
August 31, 2015: Named Starting Quarterback for the Buffalo Bills
After a competitive preseason quarterback competition, Tyrod Taylor was officially named the starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills by head coach Rex Ryan on August 31, 2015.
2015: Joining the Buffalo Bills & Pro Bowl Selection
Tyrod Taylor signed with the Buffalo Bills as a free agent in 2015. He became their starting quarterback and earned a Pro Bowl selection.
2015: Third Year of Contract Voided
Due to his significant playing time in 2015, exceeding 50% of the snaps, the third year of Tyrod Taylor's initial contract with the Buffalo Bills was voided. This event led to his subsequent contract extension.
2015: Successful Season with the Buffalo Bills
Tyrod Taylor had a successful 2015 season with the Buffalo Bills, completing 63.7 percent of his passes for over 3,000 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. He also contributed significantly with his rushing ability, adding 568 yards on the ground.
January 25, 2016: Pro Bowl Selection and Performance
On January 25, 2016, Tyrod Taylor was selected to the Pro Bowl, alongside his teammate offensive lineman Eric Wood. This recognition highlighted his impressive performance during the season. In the Pro Bowl game, he showcased his skills by completing 8-of-14 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown, though he also threw three interceptions.
August 12, 2016: Contract Extension with the Buffalo Bills
Following his successful 2015 season, Tyrod Taylor secured a six-year contract extension worth $92 million with the Buffalo Bills on August 12, 2016. This contract included an option after the first year.
January 5, 2017: Surgery and Pro Bowl Decline
On January 5, 2017, Tyrod Taylor underwent surgery to address a core muscle issue. He also declined an invitation to the Pro Bowl due to this injury.
2017: Second Black Starting Quarterback for the Giants
In 2017, Tyrod Taylor became the second black quarterback to start for the New York Giants, following Geno Smith who started in 2017.
2017: Leading the Buffalo Bills to the Playoffs
In 2017, Tyrod Taylor played a key role in helping the Buffalo Bills secure a playoff berth, marking their first appearance in the playoffs in 17 years.
2017: Reunion with David Culley
Tyrod Taylor joined the Houston Texans in 2021, where he was reunited with David Culley, who had served as his quarterbacks coach with the Bills in 2017.
March 9, 2018: Trade to Cleveland Browns
On March 9, 2018, the Buffalo Bills agreed to trade Tyrod Taylor to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a third-round draft pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
March 2018: Trade to the Cleveland Browns
In March 2018, Tyrod Taylor was traded to the Cleveland Browns. This marked the end of his time with the Buffalo Bills and the beginning of his tenure with the Browns.
March 13, 2019: Signing with the Chargers
On March 13, 2019, Tyrod Taylor signed a two-year contract, valued at $11 million, with the Los Angeles Chargers. This move reunited him with Anthony Lynn, his former offensive coordinator and one-time interim head coach.
2019: Praise and Criticism for Playing Style
By 2019, Taylor had earned recognition for his strong work ethic, agility within the pocket, running skills, athleticism, and notably low turnover rate. However, critics pointed to his conservative approach on the field, often categorizing him as a "game manager" similar to players like Alex Smith.
2020: Charitable Contribution During COVID-19
In 2020, through his foundation, Tyrod Taylor donated $25,000 to the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 22, 2021: Joining the Houston Texans
On March 22, 2021, Tyrod Taylor signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans, marking a reunion with their new head coach, David Culley, who had previously coached Taylor as the quarterbacks coach for the Bills in 2017.
March 17, 2022: Signing with the New York Giants
Tyrod Taylor signed a two-year contract worth $11 million with the New York Giants on March 17, 2022.
2023: Season Performance and Return as Starter
Tyrod Taylor appeared in 11 games, starting in five, during the 2023 NFL season, passing for 1,341 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. He was later reinstated as the starting quarterback.
March 14, 2024: Signing with the New York Jets
Tyrod Taylor signed a two-year contract with the New York Jets on March 14, 2024.