Despite racking up over 11,000 yards in Jacksonville, Fred Taylor’s career was often overshadowed by injuries and legendary peers. Now, the franchise icon finally earns national recognition.
Fred Taylor is the best running back in Jacksonville Jaguars history, but he's not a household NFL legend, making him one of the most underrated players in the league's history.
Kalshi Football posted its "Top 10 Most Underrated NFL Players Ever" on X, and Taylor made an appearance as the second-most underrated player. He may not have the most accolades, but he holds the most rushing yards in the Jaguars' franchise history.
Taylor rushed for 11,297 yards in 11 seasons in Jacksonville. The 6-foot-1 running back was a consistent 1,000-yard rusher, achieving said feat seven times across his career.
Donning the teal, black and gold as the ninth pick in the 1998 draft, Taylor broke out in his rookie year. Jacksonville's first-round pick rushed for 1,223 yards and a career-high 14 touchdowns.
He had a stellar rookie debut, but Taylor shared a rookie class with wide receiver Randy Moss, who he lost the Offensive Rookie of the Year to. His performance didn't go unnoticed, though, as he made the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team.
The Pahokee, Florida, native went through a sophomore slump in the following season. He rushed for 732 yards and six touchdowns across 15 games. It was a down year, but he bounced back in his third season.
Jacksonville's lead running back eclipsed over 1,000 rushing yards again, tallying 1,399 yards and 12 touchdowns. It seemed like Taylor returned to form in 2000, but an injury-plagued season set him back in 2001.
A groin injury limited Taylor to two games during that season. Taylor struggled with injuries throughout the first several seasons of his career, which sparked criticism from fans.
His health improved from 2002 to 2004, as he played 46 of the 51 games. The Jaguars' franchise running back not only returned to form, but he also dominated.
Taylor recorded three straight seasons rushing over 1,000 yards. He rushed for 1,426 in 2002, a career-high 1,572 in 2003, and 1,224 in 2004.
Injuries struck again in 2005, limiting Taylor to 11 games and ending his 1,000-yard rushing streak. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2006 and 2007, and the latter season earned him a Second-Team All-Pro honor and Pro Bowl appearance.
2008 was Taylor's last season donning Jacksonville's teal, black and gold. He rushed for 556 yards and one touchdown, a bitter end to his 11-year career for the Jaguars.
The New England Patriots signed Taylor in 2009, and he spent the final years of his career there. Taylor rushed for a total of 424 yards and four touchdowns during his New England tenure.
When it was time for Taylor to hang up his cleats, he returned to Jacksonville. He signed a one-day contract to retire as a Jaguar and was formally inducted into the Pride of the Jaguars on Sept. 30, 2012.
Taylor may not have had the most glamorous career, as injuries often hampered him, but he always produced when healthy. His production, despite a few accolades, is what makes him one of the most underrated players in NFL history.
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