Jason Paul Taylor (born September 1, 1974) is a retired American football defensive end and linebacker who spent a majority of his career for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Over the course of his 15-year career, Taylor played for the Dolphins on three separate occasions (1997–2007, 2009, 2011), and also played a season each for the Washington Redskins (2008) and New York Jets (2010). Taylor holds the sixth all-time career sacks record with 139.5 sacks, is the all-time leader in fumble return touchdowns with 6, while his 246 fumble return yards are the second highest total in NFL history. He officially announced his retirement on December 28, 2011.
Taylor was a four-year letterman and three-year starter for the Akron Zips of the University of Akron before being drafted in the third round, thirteenth pick (73rd overall), in the 1997 NFL Draft by Miami.
A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Taylor was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2006.
Taylor enjoyed one of the best years of his career in 2006 when he recorded 13.5 sacks, 9 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and two interceptions (both of which were returned for touchdowns), an effort which resulted in his selection as the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. On January 5, 2007, Taylor was also named a consensus All-Pro for the second time in his career.
On May 13, 2009, Taylor signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins for $1.1 million with $400,000 in incentives. On November 1, Taylor set the NFL record for most fumble returns for a touchdown with a 48-yard return against the Dolphins' rivals, the New York Jets.
On August 1, 2011, Taylor signed with the Miami Dolphins for a third stint. During a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles Jason Taylor sacked Michael Vick twice giving him six sacks on the year, and also giving him the sixth most sacks in NFL history with 138.5, just ahead of Hall of Famers John Randle and Richard Dent.