 Lawrence Julius Taylor ( born February 4 , 1959 ) , nicknamed " L.T. " , is a Hall of Fame former American football player . Taylor played his entire professional career as a linebacker for the New York Giants ( 1981 – 1993 ) in the National Football League ( NFL ) . He is one of the greatest players in the history of football , and has been ranked as the greatest defensive player in league history by former players , coaches , media members , and news outlets such as the NFL Network , and Sporting News . 
