Fred Taylor News: Pro Sports Daily

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February 6

Boston Globe

"Running back Fred Taylor signed with the Patriots last offseason counting on making the same impact he had with the Jaguars for 11 seasons. Instead, he endured a season mostly watching from the sideline. "I feel like I let some people down, including myself,'' Taylor said yesterday at the Super Bowl media center. "But I've got another chance, another opportunity to prove myself.'' Taylor, who turned 34 Jan. 27, assumes he will return to the Patriots to finish his two-year contract. Any running back with 12 years of experience and 11,540 yards on his tires is seemingly a candidate for retirement."

Rested Taylor is eager to carry the load

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January 6

Boston Globe

"After Oct. 4, the day his ankle rolled and he hobbled off the Gillette Stadium field, Fred Taylor sustained a jarring change to his daily life. Taylor had adhered to football's routine for all of his adult life, until it became embedded in him. This year, he swapped that for ankle surgery, cooped up day after day in the trainer's room. "How much can you ice?'' he said. With the tedium behind him, Taylor is grateful for having endured it. The Patriots could have placed him on injured reserve and ended his season. Instead, they kept him on the roster for the purpose he'll serve this week."

Fred Taylor ready to roll

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January 6

Boston Herald

"The last time the Patriots played the Baltimore Ravens, Fred Taylor tore up his right ankle so badly he wasn't sure he would make it back before season's end, much less compete in the postseason. The veteran running back injured the ankle on his final carry during the Pats' Week 4 win at Gillette Stadium. Taylor had just come off a 100-yard game the previous week against Atlanta, and was poised to unseat Laurence Maroney as the lead back before suffering severe ligament damage in the ankle. With a passing game that's without Wes Welker, and a running game that can't trust Maroney at the goal line, the Pats could sure use the Taylor that existed before that fateful carry three months ago. ..."

Gains by recovering Taylor

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January 4

Boston Globe

"Fred Taylor continued his late-season resurgence with a solid performance in the Patriots' 34-27 loss to the Texans yesterday. Taylor missed 10 straight games recovering from surgery to repair ligament damage in his ankle suffered against Baltimore in Week 4. He returned to action last week against Jacksonville but didn't play until the fourth quarter, when he had 11 carries for 35 yards. Yesterday he was in for the entire game. "I felt pretty good, but I've still got a lot of work to do,'' Taylor said."

Fred Taylor makes some memories at reunion

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December 28

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Patriots tailback Fred Taylor compared the first game against his former team to training camp in Jacksonville. Only this time, the temperature was more than 40 degrees cooler. "Looking across, it was like practicing again where you go all out, actually hit each other," Taylor said. "Only difference is in the real game, they get to throw you on the ground." The Jaguars did that to Taylor 11 times Sunday in a 35-7 loss to the Patriots. It was probably the best thing that could've happened to the running back, who hadn't played since October because of an ankle injury. Taylor didn't run wild on the Jaguars or score a touchdown, finishing with 35 yards rushing. The numbers were a far cry from ..."

Pats' Taylor listed as questionable for Jaguars game

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December 26

Jacksonville Times-Union

"New England Patriots running back Fred Taylor is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against his former team, the Jaguars. Taylor has missed the past 10 games with an ankle injury. He participated fully in practices Wednesday and Thursday and on a limited basis Friday. Taylor spent 11 seasons in Jacksonville and is the Jaguars' all-time leading rusher. He signed with the Patriots as a free agent before the season. Defensive linemen Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren and offensive linemen Nick Kaczur and Stephen Neal are also listed by New England as questionable. All four missed last Sunday's 17-10 win at Buffalo. The Patriots will clinch the AFC East title with a win Sunday at home. The ..."

Taylor looks forward to running into (and past) ex-mates

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December 26

Boston Globe

"Fred Taylor had a way of teasing his teammates when he was in Jacksonville. Shortly after Jack Del Rio left his post as the defensive coordinator at Carolina in 2003 to lead the Jaguars, he built a defense that would eventually rank second in the league. Taylor admitted he used the ranking to tease his teammates. "Hey, I would bust y'all up if I was somewhere else,' '' he recalled saying to the Jaguars' defenders. "Part of it is joking, but part of it is serious in me being confident in my abilities.'' Tomorrow, Taylor could get his chance. The Jaguars cut Taylor in February after 11 seasons and he signed with the Patriots. Taylor appeared poised to emerge as a frequent carrier for the ..."

For Fred Taylor, business strictly personal

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December 25

Boston Herald

"Fred Taylor has had, shall we say, an interesting week. Once a proud member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, now an often ailing member of the Patriots, the veteran running back threw out a comment the other day about his new team watching more film than his old team. And then he submitted a lecture of sorts to Jaguars fans, suggesting they better step up and start supporting their team - or wave goodbye as the Jags make like Jed Clampett and move to Cal-i-forney. Fine. Players talk. Sometimes they say smart things, and sometimes they say dumb things. And there is this: Occasionally, they say things that are "taken out of context" by the bloodthirsty, headline-hungry, deadline-harried media. ..."

Taylor: Wasn't trying to criticize Del Rio

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December 24

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Running back Fred Taylor clarified his remarks about the Patriots looking at more film than the Jaguars in a conference call on Wednesday and said he didn't mean to criticize coach Jack Del Rio. "It's kind of a like a text message,'' he said. "He didn't hear my tone. He didn't know if I was laughing or joking. He didn't hear any of that. We'll talk. I have the utmost respect of him.'' Taylor, though, said a "little piece of me'' didn't like Del Rio's suggestion that he wasn't a veteran leader. "I thought I was by actions. I've always said I led by actions. Because he didn't hear the tone, the perception is "maybe Fred was talking down on us.'' I wasn't and I never will. I'm going to be a ..."

Fred Taylor defends comments about leadership, team move

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December 24

Jacksonville Times-Union

"In a conference call Wednesday, running back Fred Taylor clarified his remarks about the Patriots looking at more film than the Jaguars and said he didn't mean to criticize coach Jack Del Rio. "It's kind of a like a text message," he said. "He didn't hear my tone. He didn't know if I was laughing or joking. He didn't hear any of that. We'll talk. I have the utmost respect of him." Taylor, though, said a "little piece of me" didn't like Del Rio's suggestion that he wasn't a veteran leader. "I thought I was by actions. I've always said I led by actions. Because he didn't hear the tone, the perception is, 'Maybe Fred was talking down on us.' I wasn't and I never will. I'm going to be a Jaguar ..."

Fred Taylor takes aim at Jaguars

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December 24

Boston Herald

"Sometimes, reality hurts. Fred Taylor knows this all too well. When the Jaguars cut the face of their franchise after 11 seasons, telling him they were putting their faith in a younger model named Maurice Jones-Drew, he received an official letter announcing the team's intentions. He kept it. "It went something like I wasn't able to perform up to the level of the players around me," Taylor said yesterday on a conference call. "That was the only thing that kind of made me hold onto getting cut a little longer. It made it a little harder to swallow and it definitely motivated me." Now a Patriots running back trying to fight his way back from torn ankle ligaments, Taylor will face his former ..."

Fred Taylor defends comments about leadership, team move

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December 24

Jacksonville Times-Union

"In a conference call Wednesday, running back Fred Taylor clarified his remarks about the Patriots looking at more film than the Jaguars and said he didn't mean to criticize coach Jack Del Rio. "It's kind of a like a text message," he said. "He didn't hear my tone. He didn't know if I was laughing or joking. He didn't hear any of that. We'll talk. I have the utmost respect of him." Taylor, though, said a "little piece of me" didn't like Del Rio's suggestion that he wasn't a veteran leader. "I thought I was by actions. I've always said I led by actions. Because he didn't hear the tone, the perception is, 'Maybe Fred was talking down on us.' I wasn't and I never will. I'm going to be a Jaguar ..."

Jack Del Rio questions Fred Taylor's barbs about film study

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December 23

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio wasn't going to let Fred Taylor get the last word Tuesday on the question of whether the New England Patriots watch more film than the Jaguars. In an interview in the Times-Union, Taylor said, "There is a whole lot of veteran leadership across the board [in New England]. There's more film study across the board. ... I thought we watched a fairly decent amount of film [in Jacksonville]. But I guess I didn't." When Del Rio was asked about the comments, he had obviously read them, giving an answer that suggested Taylor didn't provide leadership when he was with the Jaguars. "Fred's always been a great interview. He really has, and I think he pointed to one of the ..."

Taylor steps closer to the playing field

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December 19

Boston Globe

"Although Fred Taylor was listed as questionable on the Patriots' injury report yesterday, coach Bill Belichick believes the veteran running back was close to getting back on the field, possibly tomorrow at Buffalo. "Well, he's closer every day,'' Belichick said when asked about Taylor's status. "He started practicing last week and this week he got better every day.'' Taylor, who hurt his right ankle against Baltimore Oct. 4, confirmed as much after limited participation in a bone-chilling practice at Gillette Stadium."

Tayloring to Patriots' needs

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December 19

Boston Herald

"Fred Taylor struggled to come to grips with his injury-prone reputation early in his career. Each ailment that yanked the running back off the field left him deep in thought. "I used to always ask, 'Why?' " the 12-year veteran said. "Now, I realize it's all part of the game." Taylor has been sidelined since Oct. 4 with torn ankle ligaments. He has missed the Patriots' last nine games. In his first extended interview since he went down on his final carry against the Ravens, Taylor yesterday sounded cautiously optimistic about a potential return tomorrow against the Bills. "I feel real good," said Taylor, who gained 201 yards on 45 carries with two touchdowns before having surgery. "It's ..."

Taylor will wait for another day

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December 6

Boston Herald

"Fred Taylor left the Patriots locker room saying he wasn't sure if he'd make the trip to South Florida. He joked that he "might" see everyone when the Patriots play the Dolphins today at 1 p.m. Yet thanks to ankle ligaments that the running back tore in early October, he only practiced for the first time on Friday. Coach Bill Belichick had said his status still was up in the air as of late Friday. "I'd say it's a little bit of a question mark," Belichick said. "What happens between Friday and (today), it could go three different ways really." Yet late last night, the Pats officially shut the door on Taylor returning. The team announced he was inactive, one of five players not making the ..."

Positive strides for Taylor

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December 5

Boston Globe

"Coach Bill Belichick viewed Fred Taylor's return to practice yesterday much in the same manner as Sammy Morris's return to game action Monday night against the Saints: both were positive developments for the running game. "It was great to have Fred back out there and Sammy, too,'' Belichick said after Taylor was spotted during the media-access portion at Gillette Stadium. Taylor has been out with a right ankle injury since the Patriots' 27-21 victory over the Ravens Oct. 4. He had surgery four days after the game to repair a torn ligament."

Fred Taylor boosts spirits

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December 5

Boston Herald

"After returning to practice for the first time in two months, Fred Taylor's bag was packed at the base of his locker. The Patriots running back no longer limps when he runs, after rehabilitating the ankle ligaments that he tore late in the victory over the Ravens on Oct. 4. And for the first time since he underwent surgery, Taylor was listed as doubtful, not out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins. Will he play? "I'll talk when I'm healthy," said Taylor, who later joked he "might" see reporters in Miami. In all seriousness, he said, "I don't know" when asked if he's traveling. The intrigue will continue until the final word comes 90 minutes before tomorrow's 1 p.m. kickoff. But to ..."

Fred Taylor rushes in, out

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November 28

Boston Herald

"Running back Fred Taylor returned to the locker room yesterday, making his first appearance in front of reporters since tearing ligaments in his ankle in early October. The veteran underwent surgery following a Week 4 win against the Ravens and has not practiced since. He politely declined to answer questions yesterday, saying, "I'm zipped up for a while, man. Sorry." A reporter told Taylor he had plenty of questions. "Everybody does," Taylor said. The 33-year-old Taylor was not limping, nor was he encumbered by a brace. At the base of his locker sat a playbook. Taylor has 201 rushing yards on 45 attempts with two touchdowns in four games."

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

1111122222

"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

(scroll down)

"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

Comment

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 ..."