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Before he became one of the most dominating defensive ends in the NFL, Jason Taylor was terrorizing offensive tackles in the MAC. As a Zip, he recorded 21 career sacks as a linebacker and defensive end. He scored All-American honors as a Junior, and was first team all-MAC as a junior and senior.
Picked in the third round in the 1997 draft, no one could know what kind of NFL career he would have.
After 3 years of production that the Dolphins were happy with from a 3rd round pick, 16.5 total sacks, Taylor went nuts. Over the next 8 years, he averaged 12.5 sacks a season, with a high of 18.5.
Taylor finished his long and distinguished career with 139.5 sacks, placing him 7th on the all-time list.
A 6 time pro-bowl selection, he was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2006, and Man of the Year in 2007.
The father of three was also a runner up on “Dancing With the Stars”.
Well done on your career, Mr. Taylor, and enjoy your accolades. You deserve them!