Patterson Medal Winners
Taylor, Lawrence
Lawrence Taylor
- Induction:
- 1981
- Class:
- 1981
1981— Lawrence Taylor: Football (Williamsburg, Va.)
Widely regarded as the greatest defensive player in NFL history. Played outside linebacker for the Tar Heels from 1977-80. Earned consensus All-America honors and was the ACC Player of the Year in 1980. Set the Carolina record with 16 quarterback sacks that season for losses totaling 127 yards. Totaled 22 tackles for losses that year leading the Tar Heels to an 11-1 record ACC championship. Made game-saving defensive plays against Texas Tech and Clemson. Was a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award.
Was the second pick in the first round of the 1981 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, for whom he played his entire 13-year Hall of Fame career. Made 142 quarterback sacks (was second all-time when he retired) and led the Giants to two Super Bowl titles. Was the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1981, the unanimous Most Valuable Player in 1986, set an NFL record by appearing in 10 consecutive Pro Bowls and was a unanimous choice on the NFL’s All-1980s team.
Enshrined in the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
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Widely regarded as the greatest defensive player in NFL history. Played outside linebacker for the Tar Heels from 1977-80. Earned consensus All-America honors and was the ACC Player of the Year in 1980. Set the Carolina record with 16 quarterback sacks that season for losses totaling 127 yards. Totaled 22 tackles for losses that year leading the Tar Heels to an 11-1 record ACC championship. Made game-saving defensive plays against Texas Tech and Clemson. Was a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award.
Was the second pick in the first round of the 1981 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, for whom he played his entire 13-year Hall of Fame career. Made 142 quarterback sacks (was second all-time when he retired) and led the Giants to two Super Bowl titles. Was the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1981, the unanimous Most Valuable Player in 1986, set an NFL record by appearing in 10 consecutive Pro Bowls and was a unanimous choice on the NFL’s All-1980s team.
Enshrined in the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
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