Fred Taylor
The Florida native who rushed for over 11,000 yards and set 19 franchise records during his 11 seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Frederick Antwon Taylor, born January 27, 1976, in Pahokee, Florida, was a running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 1998 to 2008. Selected ninth overall in the 1998 NFL draft after playing college football at the University of Florida, he started his career with 1,223 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns as a rookie. Despite injuries that led fans to dub him 'Fragile Fred,' Taylor became a team captain, set franchise records including over 11,000 career rushing yards, and surpassed the 10,000-yard milestone in 2007. He earned an injury replacement Pro Bowl selection for the 2007 season (played in February 2008) before being released by the Jaguars on February 16, 2009.
- Role
- Running Back
- Affiliation
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Draft Year
- 1998
- Pro Bowls
- 1
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Taylor's tenure in Jacksonville was defined by a dramatic arc of elite production battling persistent physical setbacks. After starting 13 games as a rookie in 1998, he missed significant time from 1999 to 2001 due to hamstring and groin injuries, earning the moniker 'Fragile Fred' which deeply upset him. The media questioned his toughness, especially after coach Tom Coughlin listed him as 'questionable' for weeks despite knowing his season was over in 2001. Taylor rebounded strongly in 2002, starting all 16 games and setting a then-team record with 1,722 yards from scrimmage. His resilience peaked in 2003 when he rushed for a career-high 1,572 yards on 345 carries. By 2007, Taylor had turned his durability into a strength; starting 15 games, he posted a career-best 5.4 yards-per-carry average and ran for five straight 100-yard games in late November and December to earn AFC Offensive Player of the Month honors.
In Their Own Story
On November 11, 2007, Taylor etched his name permanently into Jaguars history during a game against the Tennessee Titans by surpassing 10,000 career rushing yards. Just months later, he added another milestone, passing both the 11,000-yard and 13,000 all-purpose yard marks in the 2008 season before being placed on injured reserve for a thumb injury on December 11. His final active moment with Jacksonville came earlier that year when he started his first 13 games. In 2006, he shared the backfield with Maurice Jones-Drew, and together they combined for 2,087 yards, the most by two rushers in franchise history. Although his role diminished as Jones-Drew rose, Taylor's impact remained undeniable until his release in February 2009. He formally retired on September 2, 2011, signing a one-day contract to end his career with the team that drafted him.
Reader's Guide
For fans analyzing Fred Taylor's Jaguars legacy, focus on his specific statistical peaks and the context of his injury battles. As a rookie in 1998, he rushed for 1,223 yards and scored 14 touchdowns, a career-high in scoring that season. In the playoffs, he recorded the longest run in playoff history with a 90-yard touchdown against Miami in a 62–7 win over the Dolphins. His 2003 season stands out as his volume peak with 1,572 rushing yards on 345 carries. Even when sharing carries in 2006 and 2007, he maintained high efficiency, finishing 2007 with a 5.4 average per carry. Taylor held at least 42 franchise records as of the 2017 off-season, including career rush attempts (2,428) and season rush attempts (345 in 2003). He was formally inducted into the Pride of the Jaguars on September 30, 2012.
Did You Know?
- Taylor recorded a 90-yard touchdown run in the playoffs against Miami, though it is not the longest in playoff history (the record is 99 yards, shared by Derrick Henry and others).
- He was listed as 'questionable' every game for the remainder of the 2001 season by coach Tom Coughlin despite his season being over in Week 3.
- Taylor completed his final sociology class online and graduated from the University of Florida in May 2024, 27 years after his college playing career ended.
- He was inducted into the Pride of the Jaguars in 2012, joining several other players already honored at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Fred Taylor?
Fred Taylor was a standout running back who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 1998 until his retirement in 2006. Wearing jersey number 28, he became synonymous with the team's most successful era during the late nineties and early 2000s.
What position did he play for the Jaguars?
He served as the primary ball carrier, utilizing his strength and field awareness to drive the offense forward. His physical style of play helped define the team's identity during their most competitive years.
When did his career with Jacksonville end?
His time with the team spanned nearly a decade, concluding when he hung up his cleats in 2006. This retirement ended an era that many supporters consider the peak of the franchise's history.
How many Pro Bowls did he make?
Throughout his career, he earned three Pro Bowl selections for his consistent excellence as a runner. These honors reflect his status as one of the most reliable backs in the league during that time.
Why is he a fan favorite?
He is revered for representing the city's work ethic while delivering consistent performance on Sundays. His impact on the franchise culture ensures his name remains central to their historical narrative.
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