By Veronica An
The New York Giants retired linebacker Lawrence Taylor’s #54 jersey in 1994. Taylor was the first-round NFL draft pick in 1981 and spent 13 years with the Giants. Taylor, nicknamed L.T, was known for his aggressive style of play as well as his strength and speed. Taylor ended his rookie season with 133 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 8 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception. With Taylor as a dominant force, the the Giants went on a 10-season winning streak and won two Super Bowls (1987 and 1991). He was awarded MVP in 1986 when he ended the season with 20.5 sacks, 105 total tackles, five passes defensed, and two forced fumbles. Even with a torn pectoral muscle, Taylor managed to record seven tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles against a 1986 game against the New Orleans Saints. He played in 10 Pro Bowls and in 1994 was named to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1994 and was enshrined in the Hall of Fame five years later.