 The 1982 NFL season , which was shortened to nine regular season games by a players strike , included one of the more memorable plays of Taylor 's career . In the nationally televised Thanksgiving Day game against the Detroit Lions , the teams were tied 6 – 6 early in the fourth quarter , when the Lions drove deep into New York territory . Lions quarterback Gary Danielson dropped back to pass and threw the ball out to his left toward the sidelines . Taylor ran in front of the intended receiver , intercepted the pass , and returned it 97 yards for a touchdown . This play was indicative of Taylor 's unusual combination , even for a linebacker , of power with speed . He was again named Defensive Player of the Year . 
