GOATS and Grails: A Personal Dream (Football Edition)

Lawrence Taylor 1982 Topps #434

Position: Outside Linebacker

Team: New York Giants (1981-1993)

Pro Football Hall of Fame: 1999

In addition to being one of the most feared defenders of his generation, Taylor changed the way coaches and fans viewed the outside linebacker position.  With his speed and quickness, Taylor demonstrated that a linebacker could be an attacking, game-altering force rather than a reactive entity.  Although his legacy is complicated by challenges with drug addiction and run-ins with the law, there is no denying that as a 10-time all-pro, 3-time defensive player of the year, and 1986 NFL MVP, Taylor is an all-time great.  His rookie card comes from the 1982 Topps set.  This edition, with its white border, team helmet, and pennant is one of my favorites of the era.