Lawrence Taylor couldn’t play in 2025.
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RhodyRum
Mark Gassed-A-Heaux
LT could play in ANY era for 2 very simple but fundamental reasons:
1) In regards to on-field mechanics, LT did 1 small thing probably better than any front 7 player in the entire history of the NFL, including the present day: stay on his feet and kept his opponents off of his feet. Blockers could never submarine him. Of course he had every trait possible to be a once in a lifetime player regardless of era, but all of those attributes mean nothing if you can't keep your feet. The old saying in coaching is you can't make a play from your knees or your back. Go watch any of the myriad 80s Giant games on Youtube, and I guarantee you'll hardly ever see LT in anything but an upright position. To a fan this may not seem like much, but anyone who's ever played at least at a high school level understands the utter importance of keeping your feet.
2) In regards to play style, the last thing LT ever was was dirty. Coked out monster? Yes. Physically dominant? Yes. Relentless motor? Yes. Flat out intimidating? Yes. Hard hitter? Definitely. However you never saw him do anything that could be considered "crossing the line" in either his era or even in the modern era. The breaking of Theismann's leg was a freak accident (and LT's reaction afterward tells you he wanted no part of intentionally injuring anyone). He had PERFECT tackling mechanics as well as on-field positioning, he didn't need to do extracurricular things to bring down a ballcarrier. In fact, during LT's reign, the worst hit I saw a Giant defender put on a QB was Jim Burt in January 1987 on Joe Montana, and Leonard Marshall in January 1991, also on Montana. The nastiest hit I saw a non-Giant defender put on a QB in that era was Wilber Marshall on Joe Ferguson in 1985. Those hits were the definition of old school that would be deemed dirty today. LT doesn't have those type of hits in his library.
1) In regards to on-field mechanics, LT did 1 small thing probably better than any front 7 player in the entire history of the NFL, including the present day: stay on his feet and kept his opponents off of his feet. Blockers could never submarine him. Of course he had every trait possible to be a once in a lifetime player regardless of era, but all of those attributes mean nothing if you can't keep your feet. The old saying in coaching is you can't make a play from your knees or your back. Go watch any of the myriad 80s Giant games on Youtube, and I guarantee you'll hardly ever see LT in anything but an upright position. To a fan this may not seem like much, but anyone who's ever played at least at a high school level understands the utter importance of keeping your feet.
2) In regards to play style, the last thing LT ever was was dirty. Coked out monster? Yes. Physically dominant? Yes. Relentless motor? Yes. Flat out intimidating? Yes. Hard hitter? Definitely. However you never saw him do anything that could be considered "crossing the line" in either his era or even in the modern era. The breaking of Theismann's leg was a freak accident (and LT's reaction afterward tells you he wanted no part of intentionally injuring anyone). He had PERFECT tackling mechanics as well as on-field positioning, he didn't need to do extracurricular things to bring down a ballcarrier. In fact, during LT's reign, the worst hit I saw a Giant defender put on a QB was Jim Burt in January 1987 on Joe Montana, and Leonard Marshall in January 1991, also on Montana. The nastiest hit I saw a non-Giant defender put on a QB in that era was Wilber Marshall on Joe Ferguson in 1985. Those hits were the definition of old school that would be deemed dirty today. LT doesn't have those type of hits in his library.
RhodyRum
Mark Gassed-A-Heaux
Just to provide video evidence, here's a comparison between LT & Mike Hartenstine both executing a blind side sack on the same QB, with both hits occuring on the old school 80s astroturf. You can see with your own eyes that Hartenstein puts some extra mustard on Jaworski that LT doesn't, which leads to Jaws being knocked out on one while remaining conscious on the other.
Don't ever let anyone tell you the lie that LT couldn't play today because he was too physical or dirty for the NFL. No one probably toed the line between "necessary" and "unnecessary" roughness in pro football better than Lawrence Taylor.
Don't ever let anyone tell you the lie that LT couldn't play today because he was too physical or dirty for the NFL. No one probably toed the line between "necessary" and "unnecessary" roughness in pro football better than Lawrence Taylor.
IsThatBrothaMouzone?
Veteran
LT = a stronger, rougher Micah Parsons but a little bit slower....he would still be an All-Pro/HOF player. Remember, he was doing damage when teams consistently ran the ball more. Only 28 teams, pre-expansion. Less diluted talent and offensive linemen that were more well rounded.
His issue would just be drugs and shyt. If the NFL was willing to let him thrive, he would. Only big change for him would be that QBs with good pocket awareness/throwing ability today...are much more mobile overall. Far fewer statues in the pocket.
Remember, LT didn't have access to the really good HGH and shyt like they do now. Hyperbaric chambers and all that shyt. Imagine Belichick getting another chance to coach young LT but up in New England with Tom Brady an 'em
. Them 2007 Pats but add LT?
His issue would just be drugs and shyt. If the NFL was willing to let him thrive, he would. Only big change for him would be that QBs with good pocket awareness/throwing ability today...are much more mobile overall. Far fewer statues in the pocket.
Remember, LT didn't have access to the really good HGH and shyt like they do now. Hyperbaric chambers and all that shyt. Imagine Belichick getting another chance to coach young LT but up in New England with Tom Brady an 'em
. Them 2007 Pats but add LT?
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greatest unit ever. WR's had heart back then to face themJust like how the Soul Patrol era Raiders would be 0-17 cause they'd get a penalty on every play
Born2BKing
Veteran
Don't they drug test for crack now? I would hope so
shyt The OwwBoys wouldn't even Win a Ring(or they would be Stripped)once Half the Team gets Popped for CrackDon't they drug test for crack now? I would hope so
For his size at DT with today's linemen size and he made them look Single A high school players. fukkin mutant ass nikka
Trojan 24
Veteran
LT = a stronger, rougher Micah Parsons but a little bit slower....he would still be an All-Pro/HOF player. Remember, he was doing damage when teams consistently ran the ball more. Only 28 teams, pre-expansion. Less diluted talent and offensive linemen that were more well rounded.
His issue would just be drugs and shyt. If the NFL was willing to let him thrive, he would. Only big change for him would be that QBs with good pocket awareness/throwing ability today...are much more mobile overall. Far fewer statues in the pocket.
Remember, LT didn't have access to the really good HGH and shyt like they do now. Hyperbaric chambers and all that shyt. Imagine Belichick getting another chance to coach young LT but up in New England with Tom Brady an 'em
Imagine LT on that Bosa Boy secret sauce
feelosofer
#ninergang
LT would adjust. He was a very smart football player.
Also most of his tackles were clean. He wrapped up properly. He was just a violent tackler.
Also most of his tackles were clean. He wrapped up properly. He was just a violent tackler.
For players on offense, kickers, and punters...yea
The rules make it much more difficult for players on defense
Soul Patrol nikkaz on defense in 2025.
Even Irvin didn't have to play under that kinda ridiculousness.