Phil Taylor

Washington Redskins defensive tackle

What is Phil Taylor known for?

Phil Taylor is a notable alumni from Gwynn Park High School in Brandywine, Maryland. Born on April 7, 1988, in Clinton, Maryland, Taylor has had an impactful career as an American football player, whose specialty lies in the position of a nose tackle.

His early talent on the football field was evident during his time at high school, where he showcased his skill on both offensive and defensive lines. As a senior, he impressively registered 77 tackles with 10 sacks, granting him first-team all-state and Washington Post first-team all-metro honors. His exceptional performance wasn't just limited to high school, as he continued to shine in his college years.

Initially attending Penn State, Taylor debuted impressively in his freshman year. Despite a knee injury, he contributed significantly in his sophomore year, with notable stats including 20 tackles and 3.0 sacks. However, after being involved in two incidents, he was transferred to Baylor where he continued to prosper on the field. Despite facing a "turf toe" injury, he completed his junior year with 25 tackles, an assisted sack, five QB hurries, two blocked kicks, and one interception. He ended his senior year with the most tackles by a Baylor interior lineman since 2002, showing his competence and dedication to the sport.

Taylor was drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, marking the start of his professional career. He earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2011, a testament to his impressive talent. In his professional career, he also played for the Denver Broncos and the Washington Redskins. Over his NFL career, he accumulated a total of 109 tackles, 7.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.

His detailed player statistics can be found at NFL.com.