"Jason Taylor knows how easily it can be taken for granted. The first five years of his career, Taylor went to the playoffs with the Dolphins and was focused only on their second-round failures.

"I think 2002 was the first year I missed the playoffs and you think 'I'll be right back in '03.' Well, I haven't be back since," Taylor said Wednesday.

So Saturday night, when he and the Jets face the Colts in an AFC wild-card game, Taylor will not take any of it for granted. He made sure this week to remind his teammates, particularly the younger players, not to miss this opportunity.

"I want to let guys know that though a lot of them were here last year when they played in the AFC championship it's not a given," the 36-year-old linebacker said. "It really is a privilege and a very difficult thing to do in this league. Cherish the moment. Take advantage of it, don't take it for granted."

While he would not speculate on his retirement plans, the 14th-year veteran admits his chances to make a run for a Super Bowl ring are quickly dwindling."