Rick Moffat
CFL.ca
His dreads are cropped shorter. His teeth are set in braces. But Larry Taylor smiles as unabashedly as ever after his return from the NFL. Don’t say he “failed” to make it. He’s a better man and a better returner for trying.
Taylor’s treacherous path to the CFL was the conclusion of a life swerving and side-stepping from the perils of street violence, drugs and broken homes.
That he’s still smiling just weeks after his release from the New York Jets is amazing. That he’s still alive may be what Larry would call “a blessing”.
Taylor was raised from the age of two by his grandmother Ruby Taylor to avoid the meanest of the ghetto streets of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Sistrunk is a part of “The Dale” that’s a no-go zone for anyone looking to dodge drugs, blood and guns.
“Mom and Dad took another path,” Taylor says protectively.
Taylor transferred to a private high school in Bellglade, Florida for his final years. Another lesson from “someone outside the family… an outsider.” Taylor’s guardian angels saw ability in need of further opportunity. The fathers of two teammates took “LT” under their wings.
“It was tough to leave my grandmother, but tougher on her than me, I’m sure. Bellglade is a tough football town and a tough town.”
The values were already instilled in Larry. He knew what direction he was headed off of the field even if he kept opponents guessing on the field.
He doesn’t drink. He doesn’t smoke. Not even a sip of champagne after the 2009 Grey Cup or a puff on the victory cigars that left an overpowering stench of victory in the Als’ locker room.
His Grey Cup ring was mailed to him while at Jets spring mini-camp. Only his latest attempt at defying the odds.
At Glade Day School, Taylor’s high school rivalry games were with Glade Central, the football factory that churned out Fred Taylor of the Patriots and Santonio Holmes of the Jets.
At Olympic Stadium this week, Damon Duval affirmed the Jets’ loss is the Als’ gain.
“He’s a special guy and he’s gonna give you that spark and a jolt and I think our (special) teams will all benefit. I know since I’ve been here he’s been a big-play guy in big games.”
“Vann and Maypray have done a great job for us, but with Larry I promise you all eyes are on him when he’s on the field.”
Ben Cahoon bears character witness for Taylor: “He’s a special player and such a positive guy. Being cut from the NFL had to be a hard pill to swallow obviously, but he’s been warmly welcomed back. We need a boost!”
Cahoon, never one to step out of bounds after a catch, respects Taylor’s similar inclination.
“He’s got such power. There are lots of little jitterbugs trying to avoid people. Taylor can make you miss but he likes contact and he’s tough. You’ll feel it. He’s tough to bring down.”
Warning to CFL special teams coverage units everywhere: Taylor has added almost 10 pounds on his compact build. This ain’t no sub-compact you’re in a collision with.
Als special teams coach Andy Bischoff says it is easier for a returner to be re-integrated into schemes than say a receiver into the offensive game plan. “I think we’ve been a work in progress but with Larry back, he can make guys miss. He’s got speed and vision. He’s got such a great attitude and an ‘attitude adjustment’ is easier with Larry.”
Sometimes a returner needs to swerve; sometimes he has to live life in the fast lane. Sometimes you also need the career jumper cables.
GM Jim Popp was home for the 2007 Christmas holidays after a season of double-duty as coach and trying to forget about the playoff frustration of the “Longest Yard Loss” to Winnipeg in the Eastern Semi-Final. But Popp couldn’t resist the temptation of a college bowl game being played in his home state of North Carolina.
Larry Taylor ran back a kick for a touchdown in his college farewell for the University of Connecticut. It was about the only speed bump Wake Forest hit in winning the Meineke Car Care Bowl. By the time Popp called Marcel Desjardins to get LT on the Als’ secret “neg list” his assistant had already done the deed, having seen the game on TV as well.
He’s a free agent come 2011 and his agent Martin Magid would love to talk contract extension. Taylor’s found a home in Montreal, though his wife Geline and their three boys are in Orlando, Florida. “That’s my everything,” Larry says of his family. “And she’s my backbone.”
More than anything this fall, Taylor wants to bust a move on another big play – getting his grandmother Ruby Taylor to see her first CFL game. Larry smiles. “Edmonton would be a blessing.” Say November 28th?
