Jim Taylor

September 20, 1935 — October 13, 2018 — Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States

Jim Taylor was a hard-charging fullback who became one of the most feared runners in NFL history during his years with the Green Bay Packers. Renowned for his punishing running style and fierce competitiveness, he anchored Vince Lombardi's championship dynasty of the 1960s and was later enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Early Life and College Career

James Charles Taylor was born on September 20, 1935, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He grew up in a working-class family and developed a reputation for toughness early on, competing fiercely in local sports. Taylor attended Louisiana State University, where he became a standout fullback for the LSU Tigers. Known even then for his relentless, physical running style, he combined speed with an unusual willingness to seek out contact rather than avoid it, a trait that would define his professional career. His performance at LSU caught the attention of NFL scouts, and the Green Bay Packers selected him in the second round of the 1958 NFL Draft. Though the Packers were a struggling franchise at the time, Taylor's arrival coincided with a transformation that would soon make Green Bay the league's dominant team. His college success established the foundation for what became one of the most celebrated careers among NFL fullbacks of his era.

Championship Years with the Packers

Taylor spent nine seasons with the Green Bay Packers, from 1958 to 1966, becoming the powerful running complement to quarterback Bart Starr and halfback Paul Hornung under head coach Vince Lombardi. Earning five consecutive Pro Bowl selections, Taylor became famous for his low-shouldered, bruising running style, often delivering blows to defenders rather than simply absorbing them. In 1962, he captured the NFL rushing title and was named the league's Most Valuable Player, edging out the legendary Jim Brown of the Cleveland Browns. Taylor helped lead Green Bay to four NFL championships and, in 1967, contributed to the Packers' victory in Super Bowl I, the first-ever meeting of NFL and AFL champions. His rivalry with New York Giants linebacker Sam Huff became one of the most talked-about individual matchups of the era, symbolizing Taylor's confrontational, trash-talking approach to the game. Widely regarded as one of the toughest players in NFL history, he combined physical endurance with a fearless mentality that made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Later Career, Legacy, and Death

In 1967, Taylor left Green Bay to join the expansion New Orleans Saints for his tenth and final NFL season, returning to play in his home state of Louisiana before retiring. Over his career, he rushed for over 8,000 yards and scored numerous touchdowns, cementing his status as one of the era's premier power runners. In 1976, Taylor was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the Packers' dynasty and his influence on the fullback position. After football, he remained connected to the game and to Louisiana, where he was widely respected as a local sports legend. Jim Taylor died on October 13, 2018, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at the age of 83. His legacy endures as a symbol of toughness and determination in professional football, remembered as a key figure in one of the sport's greatest dynasties and an enduring rival to some of the game's other all-time greats.