Lawrence Taylor reflects on his UNC experience, favorite moment

This weekend, Lawrence Taylor returned to Kenan Memorial Stadium, where he was in attendance for North Carolina’s drubbing of Georgia State. While Taylor is arguably the greatest defensive player in NFL history, it all started with his time as a Tar Heel.

During the game, Taylor reflected on his experience at North Carolina. 

“When I came out of high school and came to Carolina I didn’t know what was gonna happen,” said Taylor in a sideline interview. “I had the greatest time of my life at Carolina. The competition is great, the people are great.

“I look at my pro career, and I’m very proud of my pro career; but it all started here. It all started between the 20’s. I love this place.”

From 1978-1981, Taylor terrorized college quarterbacks throughout the ACC. Moreover, Taylor was recognized as the ACC Player of the Year in 1980.

Following a tremendous college career, Taylor would declare for the NFL Draft. The second overall selection by the New York Giants, the linebacker would quickly prove that his college career was no fluke.

Lawrence Taylor’s favorite college moment

Furthermore, Taylor was asked what his favorite moment as a Tar Heel was. After some contemplation, Taylor revealed that a legendary stop against Clemson still sticks out on his mind.

“My favorite moment is when we was playing Clemson in Clemson my senior year,” said Taylor. “We had just lost to Oklahoma, they just really spanked us pretty good. 

“Clemson got the ball on the one-yardline and they had four downs to punch it in and we just clobbered them. Won the game. I’ll tell you what, that was the biggest moment as a player that I ever had.”

Taylor and the Tar Heels rebounded from a 41-7 loss to Oklahoma against Clemson, defeating the Tigers 24-19. Afterwards, North Carolina would win their next three games, finishing the season 11-1 and ACC Champions.

With the potential for a historic season on the line, Taylor and the Tar Heels defense put the program on their back.

‘If he keeps his head right, he might get better than me’

Finally, Taylor offered big praise for a current Tar Heels linebacker. When asked about senior Tomon Fox, the North Carolina legend said he could be even better than himself.

“He’s a dedicated player, hard-nosed,” said Taylor. “He’s gonna do well in the NFL. If he keeps his head right, he might get better than me.”

Regardless of what he does this season, Fox may get no better compliment than the one he received from arguably the greatest defensive player ever. Following a campaign last year where he accumulated seven sacks, perhaps Taylor’s comments will give him the motivation to shatter that.