Ike Taylor: The Football Player and the Man

 
(St. Petersburg Times Photo: Brian Casella)

Part 1: Ike's Bio
Part 2: Q & A with Ike
Part 3: Ike's Training Regime as reported in Sports Illustrated and the  Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Part 4: Photo Gallery
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Part 1: Ike's Bio

Ike's life is testimony that combining a dream with hard work pays off, in a big way. When Ike was a kid in New Orleans, he dreamed of playing in the NFL one day. Ike was so dedicated to his dream, that he slept with a football under his pillow!

High School: Even then, Ike knew that playing in the NFL requires more than daydreaming. That's where his Uncle Herman's janitorial service comes in. Ike developed an exceptional work ethic while working with Uncle Herman every morning before heading off to Abramson (Louisiana) High. From there, Ike would finish school then hit it hard at practice.

Ike's Hard Work Pays Off. Ike was an All-District 9-5A first-team selection as a junior and senior. As a running back, defensive end, cornerback and placekicker during his three-year career, he led the Abransom team to the state playoffs in each of his three seasons with the varsity team. Ike also lettered three times as a guard and forward on the basketball team and earned All-District 9-5A basketball honors as a senior during the team's 25-6 season in 1998.

College: Cut to 1999, where Ike attented college at Louisiana - Lafayette. Two years went by before Ike joined the football team as a walk-on and earned a scholarship prior to the 2001 season. He switched from offense to the defensive backfield as a senior. Although Ike only played two seasons of college football, he recorded 49 tackles (37 solos) with eight pass deflections and two forced fumbles on defense.

Ike also added 323 yards and three touchdowns on 70 carries (4.6 avg) and 125 yards on 18 receptions (6.9 avg) on offense and gained 490 yards on 27 kickoff returns (18.1 avg) He was a Super Sleeper Team and All-Sunbelt Conference second-team selection by The NFL Draft Report as a senior in 2002.

Pro: Ike impressed the coaches with his speed, size and general athleticism. As a rookie, he contributed on special teams and as a kick returner and eventually worked his way into the secondary rotation.

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Part 2: Ike Q and A.

Where were you born?
I was born in New Orleans on May 5, 1980. I grew up there also!

How long have you been into football?
I used to sleep with a football under my head as a kid.

Where did you get your strong work ethic?
I worked at my uncle's business every morning before high school. After school I practiced football until I went home at night.worked all through high orked throughout high school with my Uncle every morning before school.

What's on your bedside table?
An alarm clock, my watch, a few dollars and a cell phone charge.

What do you like to eat for breakfast?
Turkey bacon, eggs, grits, and biscuits.

How about pre-game meals?
Sometimes, whatever's available, but mostly pasta and grilled chicken or breakfast all day long! I love breakfast.

Do you have a pre-game ritual?
I listen to my IPOD and visualize the game.

If you were in a different profession what would it be?
A kid's counselor.

Where will you be in 5 years?
On top of the world.

How about in 10 years?
A successful business man.

What's one thing people don't know about you?
That I'm a loner. I like to travel alone.

Where did you get your southern charm?
From growing up with my family in Louisiana.

What is the last book or magazine you read?
A book on how to start your own business and Cosmo. Gotta know what the ladies are all thinking.

Favorite Music?
Hip Hop.

What are your goals for this year?
To start with the Steelers and to be a better person.

What is your best football memory?
NFL Draft Day.

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Part 3: Sports Illustrated NFL Training Regime: Saying Uncle and  There's a lot to like about Ike, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Part 4: Photo Gallery

Ike Training at Coach Tom Shaw's Performance Center at the Disney Wide World of Sports

Ike with Mr. Rooney and Coach Tomlin at the Dapper Dan Dinner

Game Photos