HAMPTON, Va. — Tyrod Taylor's career is far from over. He started 5 games for the New York Giants last year and enters his 15th NFL season as Aaron Rodgers backup with the New York Jets. He signed a 2 year deal with the team and remains a valued NFL signal caller.
Despite his continued relevance as a professional quarterback, the career accolades are rolling in. When you're this good for this long, and make such an impact on each community you play in, it seems the honors come well before retirement.
Earlier this summer, Taylor was elected to the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame. Tonight he was honored by the Peninsula Sports Club as they celebrated their 75th anniversary. One look at the crowd and it was clear that Taylor's hometown still supports the former VHSL state championship quarterback. The sizeable turnout at the Hampton Roads Convention Center featured some other big names as well.
William and Mary head football coach Mike London was in attendance. The Bethel grad has crossed paths with Taylor throughout their respective careers, "Great young man, family's terrific as well, first class individual, selfless guy. I've known the places that he's been, we've never been together but Hampton High School, I went to Bethel High School, Virginia Tech, I was at Virginia," says London.
One coach who has been with Tyrod, and many of Hampton's best, retired Hampton High School football Mike Smith. The legendary ball coach was in attendance to support one of his greatest ever Crabbers. "He's the greatest person, he's just a super good young man. I thank his parents for raising him that way," Coach Smith continued, "Tyrod is the type of person you like your children and all of your players to be like."
Taylor was quick to deflect credit when asked about his recent achievements, crediting teammates, coaches, family, friends and the Hampton community multiple times.
"It's almost like you grew up with everyone in this community. I always says it takes a village to raise a kid, and aside from my family Hampton as a community helped raise me and I'm definitely thankful for it," said Taylor.
The night provided another example of how the community continues to look out for up and coming athletes.
The club honored current area college and high school athletes, with six deserving high school athletes receiving a $2,000 college scholarship. In that way the night felt like a celebration of an entire community, Tyrod Taylor wouldn't have it any other way.