The Dream of an NFL

Defensive Lineman

In order for dreams to come true, you have to have faith, and you have to work hard. My name is Darrell T. Taylor and I used to play in the NFL. I played on the defensive line. To play this position, you have to be tall, quick and strong. I played with the Washington Redskins and the Cincinnati Bengals (from1991-1993). At that time I stood 6’7 and I weighed 262 pounds. I was able to bench press 415 pounds. Also, in order to play in the NFL, each player is required to take an assessment test.

My dream of becoming an NFL player started in the 9^th grade. I grew 7 inches that summer. Also, I was jogging 2 miles a day, and I was lifting weights. When school started that fall, I started to capture the attention of all the coaches—football, basketball and track. This attention made me smile, but I knew that in order for me to play, I needed to keep my grades together. I did so well in high school, that I received a scholarship to Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, to play football.

The first year in college is your hardest year, because you are away from home and all you have is God to guide you. But after that first year, everything will get better for you. For me, it took two years to start, because I had two All-Americans in front of me and they went on to play in the NFL. My junior year was a great year at Jackson State. I was the talk of the town. Whenever someone mentioned Jackson State and their defense, Darrell T. Taylor was the first name mentioned.

I had become a great pass rusher, which means you can get to the quarterback a lot. At the end of my junior year, I had 12 sacks. My senior was slow. I ended that year with six sacks, because I had two or three men trying to block me because I was so tough.

When the year was over, it was time for me to be ready for the NFL. I got the opportunity to work out for each team in the NFL, but it was the Washington Redskins who chose me. I stayed there for a year and then I went on to the Cincinnati Bengals and that is where I received my career-ending injury. I hurt my hip tackling a player. It was very painful, because the doctor told me that if I played again, I might not be able to walk. Therefore, it was time for me to move on.

My dreams came true but if I had not graduated from college, I probably would not be where I am today—I am a teacher now. The money I had accumulated is gone now due to my business ventures. I had five houses; I bought a Mail Boxes Etc. franchise and a Liquor Store.

In conclusion, my life as an NFL player was fun. I had my ups and downs but the best thing for me, was playing the game and making a living at it.