TheGrio's 100: Jason Taylor, NFL player gives back to underserved youth in South Florida

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Recently retired Miami Dolphins linebacker Jason Taylor is giving back to the community that supported him during his football career.

In 2004, he started the Jason Taylor Foundation with his wife Katina; a non-profit that provides educational programs, college scholarships and other activities to facilitate the personal growth and improve the quality of life of South Florida’s underprivileged youth.

The numbers alone show the impact Taylor’s foundation has had in the community. Since 2007, more than 750 young athletes have been given scholarships to participate in his football camp, and 35 middle school students have been awarded college scholarships through the foundation’s partnership with Take Stock In Children. Taylor’s foundation is working in the community almost daily, with its own reading center that hosts 70 students four days a week as part of an after-school program.

Taylor’s wife is also heavily involved in the foundation, hosting a three-day life skills, gymnastics and cheerleading camp for 50 girls from undeserved communities.

Jason Taylor is making history as… a star athlete and philanthropist. Taylor was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2006, but what may be even more impressive is his foundation’s contributions of more than $2 million in programs and services to organizations helping children. The Holtz Children’s Hospital in Miami even re-named its recreational and educational facility after Taylor.

What’s next for Taylor?

Taylor announced his retirement from football in December but continues to be active in his foundation’s activities.

A little-known fact about Jason Taylor…

Taylor’s brother-in-law is former Miami Dolphins player Zach Thomas.

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