Photo Florida-Time Union
Growing up and realizing the importance of professional football. I always admired the running back position. My two favorite running backs were Jim Brown and Fred Taylor. Jim Brown, I never got the chance to see during my young life but caught glimpses of him in highlights. Fred Taylor, however I followed as much as I could me being in Texas and him playing basically in Florida.
Fred Taylor was a standout running back during his 13-year career in the NFL. He played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New England Patriots and established himself as one of the league's premier rushers. Despite his impressive accomplishments, Taylor has yet to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In this article, we'll discuss why Fred Taylor should be a Hall of Fame running back.
Career Statistics
Fred Taylor's career statistics speak for themselves. He rushed for 11,695 yards and 66 touchdowns during his career, which ranks him 17th on the all-time rushing list. Taylor also added 2,384 receiving yards and 8 receiving touchdowns to his career total. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and was named to the All-Pro team once in his career.
Photo by G. N. Lowrance/NFLPhotoLibrary
Impact on the Game
Taylor was not only a talented running back but also an innovator who changed the way the position was played. He was one of the first running backs to excel as a receiver out of the backfield, a skill that is now commonplace in the NFL. Taylor's ability to catch the ball and make plays in the passing game made him a valuable weapon for his teams and set the stage for future running backs to follow in his footsteps.
Team Success
While individual statistics are important, team success is also a significant factor in determining Hall of Fame eligibility. Taylor's career was marked by a few successful seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 1999, he helped lead the team to the AFC Championship Game, and in 2007, he was a key contributor to the New England Patriots' 16-0 regular season.
Off-Field Contributions
Fred Taylor was not only an outstanding player on the field but also a role model off the field. He was actively involved in charitable work and established the Fred Taylor Foundation, which focuses on helping underprivileged children. Taylor's contributions to his community are a testament to his character and further cement his status as a Hall of Fame caliber player.
Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images
Conclusion
Fred Taylor was a dynamic running back who made a significant impact on the game of football. His career statistics, team success, and off-field contributions make him a strong candidate for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Taylor's innovative playstyle and leadership on and off the field set an example for future generations of running backs. It's time for the Hall of Fame voters to recognize his contributions to the sport and enshrine him among the game's all-time greats
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