Who is Lawrence Taylor?
Lawrence Taylor, or L.T., is a former American football linebacker who played his entire career for the New York Giants in the National Football League (NFL). He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999. He won two Super Bowl championships with the Giants, and was named the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1986. He revolutionized the position of outside linebacker with his speed, strength, and ferocity, and was feared by quarterbacks and offensive linemen alike. According to Wikipedia, he is the only player in NFL history to win the Defensive Player of the Year award three times.
What is his connection to the New York Times?
The New York Times, or NYT, is a renowned newspaper that covers national and international news, politics, sports, culture, and more. It has won 130 Pulitzer Prizes, more than any other newspaper. It has also been a source of controversy and criticism, especially in recent years, for its coverage of various topics and issues. The NYT has featured Lawrence Taylor in many of its articles, both during and after his football career. Some of these articles have praised his achievements and legacy, while others have exposed his troubles and scandals. The NYT crossword puzzle has also included clues and answers related to Lawrence Taylor, such as “Lawrence Taylor, for his entire N.F.L. career, in brief” (answer: NYGIANT).
What are some of the highs and lows of his life and career?
Lawrence Taylor had a remarkable football career, but also a turbulent personal life. He struggled with drug addiction, legal issues, and health problems. Some of the highlights and lowlights of his life and career are:
- In 1981, he was drafted by the New York Giants as the second overall pick, and quickly became a star player and a leader of the team.
- In 1985, he broke the NFL record for most sacks in a season with 20.5, and led the Giants to their first Super Bowl title in franchise history.
- In 1986, he had one of the best seasons ever by a defensive player, recording 20.5 sacks, 105 tackles, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. He was named the NFL MVP, the first defensive player to win the award since 1971.
- In 1987, he admitted to using cocaine, and was suspended by the NFL for 30 days. He later claimed that he had used drugs throughout his career, and that he spent thousands of dollars on them every week.
- In 1990, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon, which sidelined him for most of the season. He returned for the playoffs, and helped the Giants win their second Super Bowl title.
- In 1993, he retired from football, after 13 seasons, 10 Pro Bowl selections, and 132.5 career sacks. He was considered one of the best players ever, and a surefire Hall of Famer.
- In 1996, he was arrested for buying crack cocaine from an undercover police officer, and was sentenced to community service and drug rehabilitation.
- In 1999, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in his first year of eligibility. He gave an emotional speech, thanking his family, teammates, coaches, and fans for their support.
- In 2003, he published his autobiography, “LT: Over the Edge”, in which he revealed his struggles with drugs, sex, and violence. He also admitted to cheating on drug tests, and paying prostitutes to have sex with his opponents the night before games.
- In 2010, he was arrested for having sex with an underage prostitute, who was 16 years old at the time. He pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct and patronizing a prostitute, and was sentenced to six years of probation and registered as a sex offender.
- In 2011, he suffered a heart attack, which he attributed to stress and poor lifestyle choices. He said he was lucky to be alive, and vowed to change his ways.
- In 2016, he was arrested for driving under the influence, after he crashed his car into a police car and a motorhome. He pleaded guilty to reckless driving, and was ordered to pay a fine and attend a DUI program.
- In 2020, he auctioned off his two Super Bowl rings, saying he needed money and had no emotional attachment to them. He also said he was proud of his football career, but not of his life.
What is his legacy and impact on the game and society?
Lawrence Taylor is a complex and controversial figure, who has inspired admiration and condemnation from fans, media, and peers. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential players of all time, who changed the game of football with his talent and style. He is also seen as a troubled and flawed human being, who wasted his potential and hurt himself and others with his actions and decisions. He has been the subject of many books, documentaries, films, and songs, and has appeared in various TV shows, movies, and video games. He has also been involved in various charitable and humanitarian causes, such as helping victims of Hurricane Katrina and supporting cancer research. He has said that he regrets some of his mistakes, but does not apologize for who he is. He has also said that he hopes to be remembered for his good deeds, not his bad ones. According to the New York Post, he said: “I’m not a bad guy. I’m a good guy who’s done some bad things.”