Fred Taylor News: Pro Sports Daily

Jaguars wish Patriots' Taylor a fast recovery

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October 10

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Fred Taylor's departure from Jacksonville doesn't mean his former teammates aren't thinking about him. Taylor, now with the New England Patriots after spending 11 seasons with the Jaguars, underwent ankle surgery on Thursday and is expected to miss most of the season. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio and running back Maurice Jones-Drew wished Taylor a speedy recovery. "He was playing well for them, so I personally was hurt," said Jones-Drew. "To see what he was doing out there with that offense was nice. He had a tough break. But I know he wouldn't want anyone to feel sorry for him. I'm just going to pray for him and hope he can start playing again soon." Taylor, 33, sustained the ankle injury ..."

They'll take opportunity, run with it

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October 10

Boston Globe

"A day after learning that running back Fred Taylor would be out indefinitely following surgery on his right ankle, a consensus formed yesterday among those Patriots directly affected by the injury. Personally, it hurts not having a solid, veteran rusher who has earned respect around the NFL. Professionally, injuries are part of the game, so the focus remains on the next opponent. The one bonus? More carries are now available."

Ankle surgery grounds Fred Taylor indefinitely

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October 9

Boston Herald

"In the past, Fred Taylor bristled at his reputation of being injury prone. One more injury won't help. The Patriots' leading rusher had surgery yesterday to repair torn ligaments in his right ankle, a close friend of Taylor told the Herald last night. The veteran running back will miss at least Sunday's game at Denver, and his timetable to return isn't known. Contrary to reports that his season is in jeopardy, Taylor last night told a close friend he believes he will be back this season. Taylor, who returned to his Boston-area home after the surgery, told his friend the procedure took two hours. He will know more about his playing status after meeting again with doctors. Taylor was injured ..."

Source: RB Taylor needs ankle surgery

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October 8

ESPN.com

"The New England Patriots are preparing for life without their leading rusher, as Fred Taylor's injured right ankle will require surgery, according to a source close to the situation. The surgery is not expected to sideline Taylor for the season, assuming there are no complications. Taylor injured the ankle on his final carry of Sunday's 27-21 win over the Ravens, a 3-yard rush in which he came up hobbling after charging hard into the middle of the Baltimore defense. He has been held out of practice the past two days. The 33-year-old Taylor, who is in his first season with the Patriots after spending the first 11 years of his career with the Jaguars, has been instrumental in helping provide ..."

Taylor is looking forward to running into Lewis again

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October 4

Baltimore Sun

"When apprised that Ray Lewis termed their relationship "a great rivalry,'' Fred Taylor flashed a knowing smile. "Yeah, it's old school,'' said the Patriots running back. Does it go back to the college gridiron, when Taylor was at Florida and Lewis at Miami? "Nah, it doesn't go back to college,'' said Taylor, "because we didn't have the opportunity to play the 'Canes when I was there. I would've loved it.'' Today Taylor will get the opportunity to meet Lewis again on an NFL stage when the Ravens and Patriots square off at Gillette Stadium. "I think both of us being Florida-bred guys, we loved each other and we hated each other,'' said Taylor. "It's been [about] respect, first. He'll bang ..."

Taylor is looking forward to running into Lewis again

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October 4

Boston Globe

"When apprised that Ray Lewis termed their relationship "a great rivalry,'' Fred Taylor flashed a knowing smile. "Yeah, it's old school,'' said the Patriots running back. Does it go back to the college gridiron, when Taylor was at Florida and Lewis at Miami?"

Decade-long rivalry pits Lewis against Taylor again

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October 2

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis and New England Patriots running back Fred Taylor need no introductions. From 1998 through 2001, they regularly bumped heads when the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Ravens both played in the old AFC Central. In the early days, the Jaguars would torture the Ravens' defense with quarterback Mark Brunell and receivers Keenan McCardell, Jimmy Smith and Taylor. It wasn't until 2000 that the Ravens started to turn the series around. But Lewis hasn't forgotten Taylor. In six career games against the Ravens while with Jacksonville, Taylor rushed for 510 yards, gaining 4.4 yards a carry. Taylor had two big games against the Ravens in 1998 and one in 2002. Taylor ..."

Leading role suits Taylor

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September 29

Boston Globe

"The Patriots might still be planning to go with a running back by committee, but Fred Taylor has established himself as the chairman of that committee following his 21-carry, 105-yard performance Sunday in a 26-10 win over the Falcons. Taylor's 21 carries were four more than he had in the first two games of the season combined. The 33-year-old joked yesterday that the Advil and Tylenol had worn off, but he said it's fun to get into a groove on the ground like he did Sunday. "Yeah, honestly,'' Taylor said. "I think more importantly the win is always the best part of it, but as a running back you definitely want the carries, you want the touches, and I guess bottom line you want to be able ..."

Fred Taylor makes statement

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September 29

Boston Herald

columnist Karen Guregian

"On Sunday, Fred Taylor brought back memories of a time not so long ago when the Patriots [team stats] had a legitimate feature back named Corey Dillon who carried the rock every week and left no worries about an effective running game. There was no backfield committee when Dillon was here. He was the committee. He got the ball, taking handoffs every quarter, and occassionally got a breather. Taylor? Thus far, he's been the second back in, taking the baton from Laurence Maroney every week. But when Maroney tweeked a thigh in the 26-10 win against the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium, Taylor took on a heavier load. With more carries, the NFL veteran in his first season with the Pats ..."

Taylor plenty swift

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September 28

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"The difference between today's NFL and the one Fred Taylor feasted on for most of his 11-year career are obvious. Taylor thrived in the era of the feature back. James Stewart was the man in Jacksonville when Taylor arrived there in 1998, then Taylor took on the role, putting together seven 1,000-yard seasons. But with the way the game's morphed, running back has become more of a two-man operation. Taylor saw it happen his last few years in Jacksonville as Maurice Jones-Drew emerged. "I was the starter,'' he said. "But I was a complement to Maurice.'' When he arrived in New England in the offseason, Taylor knowingly accepted the split gig as part of the job. "In this day and age,'' Taylor ..."

Unheralded defense unit stifles Falcons offense

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September 28

Boston Herald

"Forget the fact that the Patriots [team stats] entered the game with the third-ranked defense in the NFL. We can all pretty much agree that rating was misleading. Let's face it: With Atlanta and its high-powered offense coming to Gillette Stadium yesterday, the matchup against the Patriots defense made you cringe, didn't it? Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White, Michael Jenkins. This was easily the best offense the Patriots had faced in three games, and stopping it seemed like a tall order for the injury/trade/retirement-depleted defense. This had mismatch written all over it. For starters, it didn't look like the Pats had anyone with the right body type or credentials to ..."

Fred Taylor runs with bigger role

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September 28

Boston Herald

"Fred Taylor has been around the NFL long enough to learn a few things. So when the Patriots running back saw the swarm of reporters surrounding his locker after yesterday's 26-10 win against the Falcons, he knew his time flying under the radar was finished. After two relatively quiet games to start the season, Taylor broke out, rushing 21 times for 105 yards and a touchdown. It was a performance that brought back memories of the 12-year veteran's time in Jacksonville, where he established himself as one of the league's top backs. Taylor's time in Jacksonville came to an end in February when he was released following a season in which he was limited by a thumb injury. The Pats signed Taylor ..."

Patriots come clean

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September 28

Boston Herald

"The clouds never entirely lifted on a dreary, wet day. But amid the gray and the rain was a glimmer of light reflecting off the soggy turf at Gillette Stadium. Faced with early criticism in this young season, with the quarterback fending off more questions than he has in years, the Patriots [team stats] answered in emphatic, straight-forward fashion. They drummed the Falcons, 26-10, yesterday, using a physical running attack to build the lead, and then watching Tom Brady [stats] close it out with a 36-yard touchdown strike to Chris Baker. It was not perfect. And it may not erase the memory of the stinging loss to the Jets. But the wisdom comes in the same grizzled fashion as Fred Taylor ..."

Fred Taylor begins new chapter with Patriots

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September 11

Boston Herald

"Fred Taylor spent the final three games of last season languishing on the Jacksonville Jaguars injured reserve list with a thumb injury. If there is one way to tell if the Patriots running back is amped for Monday's opener, it is this: "I was even excited for the preseason," said Taylor, the 12th-year veteran. "I'm just happy to get back to football. Period. I'm even more excited now that the live bullets are starting to fly. This should be fun." The newest addition to a deep running back group, Taylor came to the Patriots with hopes of kick-starting a distinguished career that went slightly stale with the only team he ever played for. Jacksonville's all-time leading rusher will do so on ..."

Doctor just what Fred Taylor ordered

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August 28

Boston Herald

"Fred Taylor wouldn't mind a new nickname. The Patriots running back came up with it himself. "I'm like the doctor," said Taylor, entering his 12th NFL season. "I'm on call. Whenever my number is called, I'm ready. That's what I am these days. And I do house visits." Lab coat, stethoscope and all, Taylor is looking to continue his forward progression against the Redskins tonight. The 6-foot-1, 228-pounder had seven carries for 26 yards against the Bengals last week, and he'll likely split carries with Laurence Maroney at FedEx Field. "Of course, I can do better," Taylor said. "But last week was just an opportunity where I got out there. I went on (injured reserve) the last three games last ..."

Fred Taylor no blast from the past

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August 23

Boston Herald

"Heading into his 12th NFL season, Fred Taylor may know more about his own running style than anyone else. He can easily explain what made him a quality back with the Jacksonville Jaguars. It's not speed, though he can still run. And it's not power, though he's busted more tackles than he can count. Instead, the reason for Taylor's success - and what made Patriots coach Bill Belichick bring him to Foxboro - is that he creates yards when none seem to exist. "Even if it's not blocked up all the way, I have to make something happen," said Taylor, the 33-year-old who is slated to make a reported $3 million in 2009. "That's the reason they brought me here. I can make things happen if something ..."

Taylor making strides

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August 21

Boston Globe

"Running back Fred Taylor waited patiently on the sideline in last week's preseason opener, but he never took the field for his first action as a Patriot. He didn't have to wait long last night. Taylor started in the Patriots' forgettable 7-6 loss to the Bengals, playing the first 17 snaps and then calling it a night. There were no breakaway touchdown runs or dazzling cutbacks, just a modest, productive beginning for a 33-year-old who still shows a bounce in his step and continues to adjust to a new team after 11 years in Jacksonville."

Taylor is in a rush to help

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July 31

Boston Globe

"Eventually, Fred Taylor will offer Laurence Maroney whatever advice he has. He'll see the difference between a small gain and a long run, and make sure Maroney sees it, too. He'll see something Maroney might be able to do differently, and tell him. He'll have something stored on the mental notepad he's kept over the last 11 years, he'll wait for the right time, and then he'll share it. It's what a veteran does, regardless of the circumstances. Taylor came into the NFL in 1998, in a situation similar to Maroney's when the Patriots selected him with their first-round pick in 2006. James Stewart had been Jacksonville's feature back for three years, but Taylor was their first-round pick. ..."

Veteran Fred Taylor dives in

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May 21

Boston Herald

"This week's voluntary three-day round of organized team activities were geared toward Patriots rookies, newcomers and players returning from injury. Not every first-year Patriot showed up. Veteran Joey Galloway wasn't seen yesterday among the young receivers. Nor were veteran defensive backs Shawn Springs or Leigh Bodden spotted in the secondary doing drills with second-round draft picks Darius Butler and Patrick Chung. It should say something that 33-year-old Fred Taylor [stats] was present, working in the heat alongside three running backs in their early 20s, BenJarvus Green Ellis, Eric Kettani and Omar Cuff. "If I'm going to be able to play with the guys on the team, I have to volunteer ..."

Sprained wrist slows Taylor

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May 5

Boston Globe

"Patriots running back Fred Taylor, who has a history of nagging injuries, recently suffered a sprained left wrist while he was exercising, according to medical sources. Taylor hurt the wrist when he fell on his outstretched left hand. It appears the injury occurred while he was working out on his own in South Florida and not at Gillette Stadium under the team's supervision. Taylor, who signed a two-year, $5 million deal to join the Patriots in February, sought treatment April 24, complaining of pain for two days. An MRI did not reveal any fractures, dislocations, or ligament damage, and the initial diagnosis of a sprain was confirmed. Taylor was told to put the wrist in a Velcro splint, ..."

Emotional Taylor has another tough farewell

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March 25

Jacksonville Times-Union

"The Fred Taylor goodbye tour took on its most emotional chapter at a Monday luncheon when he was honored by the downtown Rotary Club at the Omni Hotel. When it came Taylor's turn to acknowledge all the compliments and well-wishes he received from several different speakers, the Jaguars' 11-year franchise running back, now a New England Patriot, broke down several times on the podium during his 10-minute thank-you speech. After several speakers hononred Taylor and gave their account of experiences with him - among them ex-Jaguar teammates Jimmy Smith and Jeff Lageman, along with current Jaguar Rashean Mathis - a humbled Taylor needed several seconds to compose himself before he was able to ..."

Taylor: 'I'll always be a Jaguar'

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March 24

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Fred Taylor didn't want to cry Monday when he received a farewell sendoff from the Rotary Club, which was honoring him for his 11 years playing for the Jaguars. "I'm not going to cry," Taylor said as he opened his speech, but it took him 15 seconds just to utter those words because he was fighting back the tears. When he said, "Jimmy Smith," Taylor needed another 15 seconds before he said, "Give me a second, please. I apologize." He paused again and said, "I said I wasn't going to cry." But Taylor couldn't help but cry at the realization that he's played his last game for the Jaguars. Taylor, 33, was recently cut by the Jaguars as part of their youth movement. He's already signed with the ..."

RB Taylor finds good fit

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February 28

Boston Globe

"The first day of free agency netted the Patriots a Taylor suited to their liking and a Baker to add to the mix. The Patriots came to terms with veteran running back Fred Taylor and tight end Chris Baker yesterday. Terms were not disclosed. Taylor, 33, who was jettisoned by the Jacksonville Jaguars Feb. 16, chose the Patriots over the Buffalo Bills after visiting both teams earlier in the week. He said yesterday in a conference call he was halfway to signing with the Patriots when he got off the plane. "The visit in Buffalo went real well, but the Patriots just felt like it was the place to be," said Taylor. "After talking to Coach [Bill] Belichick and looking at everything, looking at the ..."

Fred Taylor picks Patriots

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February 27

Boston Globe

"Two reports over the last 12-14 hours indicate that a pairing between Fred Taylor and the Patriots is imminent. Shalise Manza Young of the Providence Journal was first with the news that the Patriots had offered Taylor a contract and that Taylor was likely to sign with New England. Adam Schefter of NFL.com has followed up with a report that Taylor plans to sign with New England. The Boston Globe can confirm that the sides are moving closer to finalizing a deal. The 33-year-old Taylor enters his 12th NFL season in 2009. He has spent his entire career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, rushing for 11,271 yards and 62 touchdowns, and previously said that he plans to retire as a member of the ..."

RB Taylor to visit Bills

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February 24

Buffalo News

"Veteran running back Fred Taylor will visit the Buffalo Bills, probably today, league sources told The Buffalo News. Taylor, released last Monday by the Jacksonville Jaguars, is a 33-year-old, 11-year NFL veteran. He ranks 16th on the NFL's all-time rushing list with 11,271 yards. Last season he finished with 556 rushing yards on 143 carries in 13 games. He was the starter for Jacksonville, but backup Maurice Jones-Drew got more attempts (197) and rushed for more yards (824). Taylor is expected to visit the New England Patriots after meeting with the Bills. The Bills undoubtedly are looking for insurance at running back in the wake of the arrest of starter Marshawn Lynch on misdemeanor gun ..."

Fred Taylor on the Bills' radar

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February 23

Buffalo News

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"Reports suggest veteran running back Fred Taylor, cut by Jacksonville on Monday, is on the Bills’ radar screen. The Providence Journal reported the Saturday Taylor is expected to visit both the Bills and the New England Patriots this coming week. Jason Rosenhaus, one of Taylor’s representatives, declined to comment on Taylor’s plans. Taylor, 33, ranks 16th on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 11,271 yards and 62 touchdowns. His release saved the Jaguars money and also allows them to hand the full-time rushing role to the younger Maurice Jones-Drew. Taylor was scheduled to make $6 million in base salary this year and also was owed a $1 million roster bonus next month. Exactly what a ..."

Patriots looking at Taylor

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February 22

Boston Globe

"The Patriots have expressed interest in former Jaguars running back Fred Taylor, and according to league sources, Taylor could meet with them early this week. Taylor, 33, was released by the Jaguars after spending the first 11 seasons of his career with them. He is the franchise's leading rusher and ranks 16th in NFL history with 11,271 yards. But last season Taylor rushed for just 556 yards in 13 games and had a career-low 3.9 yards per carry. He was scheduled to make $6 million next season. Taylor would be good insurance for the Patriots. Laurence Maroney, who played just three games last season, is coming off shoulder surgery, and Sammy Morris, who led the Patriots last season with 727 ..."

Free agent RB Fred Taylor on Patriots’ radar

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February 22

Boston Herald

"The Patriots reportedly have an interest in signing free agent running back Fred Taylor, who was released last week by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Pats, however, have company in their pursuit of the veteran. The Buffalo Bills are also said to be pursuing the Pro Bowl back. The 33-year-old Taylor, who is represented by agent Drew Rosenhaus, is expected to visit with both teams this week. The former first-round draft pick, who amassed 11,271 yards over the course of 11 seasons with Jacksonville, at an average of 4.6 yards per carry, is a free agent for the first time. The Pats have a crowded backfield with Lawrence Maroney, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk and BenJarvus Green Ellis all under ..."

Quotable Fred: Best lines from Fred Taylor's Jags career

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February 17

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Fred Taylor has made his living in Jacksonville for the past 11 years, and he's never been shy about talking to the media. The team released Taylor, the team's all-time leading rusher, on Feb. 16, 2009. A collection of the memorable quotes the running back has told the Times-Union since he was drafted out of the University of Florida in April 1998: "I've wanted to be a Jaguar ever since the team came into existence. It's close to Gainesville, and there are a lot of Gator fans in Jacksonville. It'll be like playing at home." - Taylor, on April 18, 1998, after being selected No. 8 overall in the NFL Draft by the Jaguars. "He's a good player, but he has only one dimension. He runs. He's ..."

Freddy T always gave all he had

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February 17

Jacksonville Times-Union

columnist Gene Frenette

"Of all the tough, heartbreaking goodbyes in Jaguars history, saying farewell to Fred Taylor probably ranks as the most agonizing. I'm not dismissing that unforgettable walk by coach Tom Coughlin in 2002 to Tony Boselli's house to inform him that, because of salary-cap problems, the franchise left tackle was being made available to the expansion Houston Texans, who took Boselli off the Jaguars' books. That ranks up there, too, on the gut-wrenching list. But what the Jaguars brass did Monday - general manager Gene Smith, coach Jack Del Rio, senior vice president Paul Vance and Wayne Weaver boarding the owner's plane to meet with Taylor at a Fort Lauderdale airport hotel to break the news in ..."

Taylor's time with Jags reaches expiration date

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February 17

Jacksonville Times-Union

columnist Gene Frenette

"When Jaguars general manager Gene Smith, head coach Jack Del Rio and senior vice-president Paul Vance flew with owner Wayne Weaver on his private plane Monday morning to meet with their franchise running back at the Sheraton hotel near the Fort Lauderdale airport, Fred Taylor knew the brass didn't set up this special meeting to renegotiate his contract. They came to cut the cord. And to pay their respects to a running back who had more productive years as a Jaguar than anybody except wide receiver Jimmy Smith. More importantly, the 33-year-old Taylor did it at a position where football is more a young man's game than at any other spot on the field. That's why the Jaguars asked Taylor to ..."

Fred Taylor's days as a Jaguar are over

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February 17

Jacksonville Times-Union

"The club released the 11-year veteran Monday, indicating its desire to infuse more youth at running back. "I love Jacksonville, that's where my heart is. That's where I want to be," Taylor said. "But this wasn't my call." Taylor met with Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver on Monday along with coach Jack Del Rio, general manager Gene Smith and senior vice president Paul Vance. During the meeting, Taylor, who before his release was owed a $1 million roster bonus next month, was asked if he wanted to retire. The running back declined. "They were trying to do something for [my retirement], and I said, 'No, I'm not ready for that,'" Taylor said. So Taylor and his agent Drew Rosenhaus countered with a ..."

Fred Taylor released from Jaguars

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February 16

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Fred Taylor's days as a Jaguar are over. The club released the 11-year veteran Monday, indicating its desire to get younger at running back , according to a team source who requested anonymity because an official announcement hasn't been made. The Jaguars plan to announce the move today at 1:30 p.m. at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium."

Fred Taylor out for the season

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December 11

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Fred Taylor's season is over. Taylor, whose left thumb ligaments were torn Sunday in Chicago, was placed on the injured-reserve list and will miss the final three games. It's the first time in his career he's been placed on IR. His spot on the roster will be filled by former Jaguars running back Alvin Pearman, who was traded to Seattle last year where his ACL was torn. Taylor said the Jaguars tried to devise a splint or a cast that he could play with but couldn't find anything comfortable and feared he would suffer more damage if he tried to play. He's waiting until he gets a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, before he decides if he needs surgery on the thumb. Taylor said he plans to ..."

Taylor injury adds to Jaguars woes

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December 10

Jacksonville Times-Union

"There's a good chance the list of Jaguars out for the season could grow. Coach Jack Del Rio said on his radio show Tuesday that running back Fred Taylor could be placed on injured reserve because of a thumb injury suffered Sunday at Chicago. In addition, the club will place fullback Greg Jones (ankle) on injured reserve and is considering a similar move for receiver Jerry Porter, who suffered a strained groin against the Bears."

Taylor injury adds to Jaguars' woes

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December 10

Jacksonville Times-Union

"There's a good chance the list of Jaguars out for the season could grow. Coach Jack Del Rio said on his radio show Tuesday that running back Fred Taylor could be placed on injured reserve because of a thumb injury suffered Sunday at Chicago. In addition, the club will place fullback Greg Jones (ankle) on injured reserve and is considering a similar move for receiver Jerry Porter, who suffered a strained groin against the Bears. To fill holes in the roster, the club plans to bring in former Jaguars running backs LaBrandon Toefield and Alvin Pearman today for workouts."

Taylor runs past O.J., Dillon

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December 8

Jacksonville Times-Union

"There's not much to smile about after a fourth consecutive loss, but Fred Taylor couldn't help but snicker at his situation. Having finished with 53 yards in Jacksonville's 23-10 loss at Chicago on Sunday, the Jaguars running back moved past O.J. Simpson and Corey Dillon to 16th on the all-time rushing list, while becoming the answer to a trivia question. Don't believe it? Go somewhere outside of Jacksonville and ask someone which back has the most career rushing yards among Taylor, Simpson and Dillon. Chances are they'll answer Simpson. "O.J., why not?" Taylor said, laughing. "O.J.'s name rings a bell, and even more now because of what's going on. But it comes with the territory. That's ..."

Jaguars' Taylor moves into 16th on all-time rushing list

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December 8

Chicago Tribune

"Oh, the might-have-beens. With his 53 yards Sunday, Jacksonville running back Fred Taylor moved past O.J. Simpson and Corey Dillon into 16th place on the NFL's career rushing list. It could have occurred in a Bears uniform. Taylor sometimes still thinks it should have. With the Bears on the clock at No. 5 in the 1998 draft, the Jaguars tried to badger then Bears personnel chief Mark Hatley into trading them that pick for Jacksonville's picks at No. 9 and No. 26. Hatley felt bullied by Jaguars coach/personnel chief Tom Coughlin, stubbornly hung up the phone and stayed at No. 5. The Bears got Curtis Enis. The Jaguars settled for Taylor. "I [think] about it from time to time," Taylor said, ..."

5 questions with Fred Taylor

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October 21

Jacksonville Times-Union

"5 QUESTIONS WITH ... running back Fred Taylor A lot has been made of the team's upcoming schedule - which some call weak - against Cleveland, Cincinnati and Detroit. What's your feeling about it? In the NFL, you can't overlook anybody. I'm pretty sure so-called experts picked Denver to win and wrote us off. There are gonna be some experts saying that we should beat Cleveland, that we should beat Cincinnati or whatever the case is. We're not gonna say that. That's a setup. That's a booby trap. We won't allow that to happen. So with the Florida-Georgia game on the horizon, which states do you think produce the best high school athletes? It's Florida, California and Texas. You like that ..."

Jaguars' Taylor needs 72 rushing yards to reach 11,000

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October 2

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Fred Taylor has a shot at a showcase moment Sunday night. In the Jaguars' first regular-season prime-time network TV game since 2001, Taylor needs just 72 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers to join the NFL's 11,000-yard rushing club. Only 16 other players have reached that milestone, though the San Diego Chargers' LaDainian Tomlinson might become the 17th earlier Sunday because he needs just 54 yards against the Miami Dolphins. Taylor said he's only starting to understand his place in NFL history. "It doesn't mean a whole lot until after you learn the history" he said. "I guess you can look at it and say, 'Wow, all the backs have played the game, and this is the company I'm keeping.' ..."

Duo helps Jags run over Colts

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September 22

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Motivational speaker - perhaps that might go on Fred Taylor's resume in the future. A day after delivering a speech to the team about moving a metaphorical boulder (Indianapolis), Taylor and the Jaguars bowled over the Colts for a season-high 236 yards rushing in a 23-21 win Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Taylor says the Jaguars are now 3-0 when he's asked to deliver motivational talks . "I spoke to the guys on Saturday and told them this is an attitude game," Taylor said. "The guys listened to the message. Today was a boulder in our way and you can't walk around it, can't run from it, you've got to go through it and move it out of the way. We did that today." Averaging 4.7 yards per carry, ..."

Jaguars' Taylor helps make tale real

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September 22

Indianapolis Star

"Fred Taylor doesn't just run through Indianapolis Colts tacklers. The running back inspires his Jacksonville Jaguars teammates with timely fables, too. On Saturday night, the 11th-year pro imparted wisdom with a tale about a man who moved a big rock and discovered a gold coin underneath. "I told them we had a boulder in front of us. We've got to move it. You can't go around it; you've got to move it," said Taylor, whose previously winless team responded with a 23-21 road victory over the Colts on Sunday. Taylor said he's 3-0 in his 11-year career when he has addressed the team the night before. He played an integral part in the heavy lifting Sunday with 121 yards rushing on 26 carries. ..."

5 questions with Fred Taylor

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September 9

Jacksonville Times-Union

"How does this team bounce back from a loss like the one on Sunday? "This is the National Football League; it's a long season. I mentioned this yesterday that the only thing guaranteed is we're not going to go undefeated. You can't really worry about this [Tennessee] game anymore. The 24-hour rule is going to be taking place here shortly. We've got to let that go." Would you say some of the off-the-field distractions last week played a part in how this team performed? "You know what, that's good press [for the media]. For us, it's B.S. Some things happened we definitely didn't want to happen. I don't really consider them distractions. We lost that game fair and square. They kicked our ..."

Taylor refused to heed warnings, police say

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September 3

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Jaguars running back Fred Taylor was uncooperative and ignored three warnings to calm down before Miami Beach police cited him with disorderly conduct, according to a police report released Tuesday. Taylor apologized Monday for the incident, in which he was ordered out of his car at gunpoint while his car was searched for drugs and firearms outside a South Beach nightclub at about 4 a.m. Saturday. At one point while his car was being searched, an angry Taylor attempted to incite a crowd of bystanders who were exiting the club, according to the report. The report said police were responding to an altercation outside Club Cristal and advised there might be firearms in the car Taylor was ..."

Taylor apologizes for incident

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September 2

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Jaguars running back Fred Taylor attempted to turn an incident in Miami Beach on Friday night into a teaching moment for the Jaguars and himself. Taylor addressed the team Monday, and said he cursed at two policemen who were searching his car with a dog outside of a nightclub. He received a disorderly conduct citation. Taylor said he's learned to use only four words in talking to the police in any similar situation in the future: "Yes, sir" and "no, sir." "I'll take this and learn from it. I'm humbled by it. Hindsight is 20-20. How about a "yes, sir' or "no, sir' next time?" he said. Coach Jack Del Rio said, "I asked him to speak with the guys to gain some experience from the situation. I ..."

Jags RB Taylor arrested in Miami

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August 31

SI.com

"Jacksonville's career rushing and receiving leaders were arrested in a span of about five hours. Running back Fred Taylor was arrested outside a Miami Beach nightclub early Saturday and charged with disorderly conduct. Former receiver Jimmy Smith was arrested Friday night on a drunken driving charge in Jacksonville. Taylor was released on his own recognizance and agreed to appear in court at a future date, according to Miami Beach Police Department spokesman Juan Sanchez. Taylor was not taken to jail. Sanchez did not immediately return a phone message left by The Associated Press. He told the Florida Times-Union that Taylor was arrested about 4 a.m. outside Club Cristal, but said he had no ..."

Jaguars' Fred Taylor charged in Miami with disorderly conduct

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August 31

Orlando Sentinel

"Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor was arrested early Saturday and charged with disorderly conduct near Miami Beach night club Club Cristal. Police did not book Taylor or take him to jail. They released Taylor at the scene on a promise to appear in court, according to Miami Beach Police spokesman Juan Sanchez. Details of the arrest, including the time, circumstances and whether it was inside or outside the club, won't be available until Tuesday morning when the police department's records office opens after the long weekend, Sanchez said. A Jaguars spokesman said the team declined comment. Taylor had a few legal scrapes as a student at Florida. In 1995 he and three teammates ..."

Taylor not acting his age

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August 22

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Running back Fred Taylor pointed to a spectator at the Jaguars' practice Thursday and said, "That's the guy who's going to get me in the Hall of Fame." Taylor was pointing to Pete Bommarito, who runs Performance Systems, a training program for athletes in Davie. Bommarito, who has a masters degree in exercise science from Ball State, works with more than 200 athletes. However, he's often referred to as the "Fred Taylor guy," because of the running back's success the past two years after working with Bommarito in the offseason. Running backs often start to decline in their 30s, but Taylor, 32, has gained 1,146 and 1,202 yards the past two seasons. He's 17th on the NFL's all-time rushing ..."

Give Fred Taylor a ring

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August 1

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Jaguars running back Fred Taylor went to the Super Bowl for the first time last February to support his good friend, New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress. Although Taylor was happy the Giants won the game, he didn't enjoy the experience. "Man, that was the toughest thing I have done in my whole life," he said. "I had a few tears in my eyes that I had to wipe off." For Taylor, what made it so difficult was watching and not playing. And watching the Giants beat the New England Patriots, who knocked the Jaguars out of the playoffs. "I'm trying to watch the game and support a good friend of mine," Taylor said. "It's just tough to do. [Seeing] the team we had just lost to two weeks ..."