Jason Taylor Named To Pro Football Hall of Fame
Former Akron Zips defensive lineman Jason Taylor was announced today as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2017. Taylor, who spent 13 of his 15 seasons in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins was announced on Saturday as a member of the 2017 Hall of Fame Class.
Joining Taylor as the Class of 2017 includes kicker Morten Andersen; running back Terrell Davis; safety Kenny Easley; owner, president and general manager Jerry Jones; running back LaDainian Tomlinson; and quarterback Kurt Warner.
Taylor is the first Zips player elected to the Hall of Fame and only the second in the history of the Mid-American Conference, joining former Kent State linebacker Jack Lambert of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Taylor was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. The 2017 Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will take place Saturday, Aug. 5 in Canton, Ohio.
A third-round pick out of Akron in the 1997 NFL draft, Taylor ended his career in 2011 as the Miami Dolphins’ all-time leader in sacks and forced fumbles.
A six-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time AP All-Pro first-team choice, Taylor was named the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and was selected as the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2007.
