Lawrence Taylor Game Film - 1982 Thanksgiving Day vs Lions

New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor comes off the bench and leads the Giants to victory over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day 1982. Taylor sat out the 1st half because of a knee injury sustained the prior week against the Redskins.
All rights property of the NFL.

[@deedonnerramone4757]

I was there! My late great brother and I drove from Rochester, Michigan to the Silverdome, got two tickets for $5.00 each and sat in the endzone where LT caught his interception. Great memories~! Miss ya Cupcake!

[@illmill42012]

that 1 handed sack is just magnificent

[@ronaldfarias1875]

illmill42012 yeah and Danielson wss 6'2 at least 200 lbs Incredible strength of LT

[@JCR1992]

@@ronaldfarias1875 And the Offensive lineman was on LT too!

[@courylanders4142]

@@ronaldfarias1875 plus 40lb of pads.

[@marrymemaddie]

Lawrence Taylor is the Greatest Football Player to ever play the game. Love your videos John Smith.

[@ThePrayinmantiz]

the greatest of all time

[@StukInBuf]

This game is the beginning of the Lawrence Taylor legend.

[@johnre5342]

Not really. He was doing legendary things as soon as he got in the lineup his rookie year.

[@um52]

If I was to build a team around 1 player from any NFL era, it would be the greatest defender of all time...LT.

[@michaelg7904]

um52 Mean Joe Greene was pretty good, too. They were equally as awesome, but Greene’s work came up the middle.

[@mikeprevost8650]

The Saints passed him up in favor of the Heisman winner, George Rogers, in one of the worse draft moves ever, akin to the Jets passing on Dan Marino to take Ken O'Brien.

[@smoothjazzandmore]

I remember watching this game in 1982. LT was a freak! The GOAT!

[@joerules829]

Any defensive player that wants to call himself the greatest needs to be better than this. LT is the gold standard.

[@terryrush1116]

No doubt

[@paulboegel8009]

I saw only one player do it for 1 year and that was JJ watt in 2014,

[@TL2354]

The speed on the pick 6 is insane. Also, he grabs the QB with one arm, swings him and lifts him off the ground. My God

[@forsberg2191]

I was at this game with my dad and brothers. It was my 1st Lions game, the tickets being a birthday present. Lawrence Taylor ruined my day, I can clearly remember that inteception and return. I also remember Leonard Thompson #39 of the Lions almost killing the punt returner for the Giants earlier in this game.

[@pbtaxes]

That shouldnt have ruined a special day with your dad!!!you should be honored to have witnessed till this point the Greatest Defensive Player in NFL History!!!! Hope you change your thoughts😊...enjoy its just a game

[@MGAF688]

Yeah, you witnessed an all-time game for a LB even if the LB was on the other team. Lawrence Taylor officially introduced himself to a national audience and from that moment forward, the country was paying attention to true greatness. LT is without question the greatest LB there ever was and there will never be an LB to eclipse what he could do out there. Never.

[@jonmayes2422]

I agree. If you were against the Giants, LT was a Big pain in the BUTT. He use to get on my nerves when he would do damage against the Dallas Cowboys.

[@thomasqualls7077]

Same here. That was my first game. You could tell he was the best player on the field even in his first year.

[@jefferywilliams5878]

Some football players are extremely good. LT was just a beast and loved his job. I've been watching football since 1970 and I've never seen anything like the King of defense. LT stand's for lot's of tackles. I love that one hand tackle eventhough I've seen him do that lots of times. If he gets one finger on you your done. To the King, thanks.

[@douglasvanbenthuysen442]

I gotta find this full game. I'd watch it every Thanksgiving.

[@johnnyboyssite]

Just watched the Madden Christmas Day special 2 days after his death and this was special. Rest in Peace John Madden

[@johnshanahan681]

I wanna see next gen stats of LTs speed down the sidelines. my man was cruising lol

[@DD-fm7xb]

What was great was that he showed it with a pass rush, run defense and in pass defense...He was strong at everything..Including special teams...That was a special time to be a Giants fan !!

[@deedonnerramone4757]

Marty and I were there, we had a great view of this play, sitting in the end zone, upper deck. Ticket $5.00! Great memories!

[@ritacal557]

This man was everywhere the ball was. Don’t at me that others today are like him. There has not been and there will never be another LT.

[@michaelbronco1023]

Look at the sidelines and how many less people there are than today's game. It looks like a high-school game. Good ol days, love it. LT is the best football player ever.

[@geeskin5750]

Can we please stop the JJ Watt comparison, he is no where close 2 LT @ least not yet

[@DD-fm7xb]

Can Watt drop back in pass protection ??

[@jamesvickers9476]

gee skin ..he will never be what you mean not yet

[@raybeez55]

greatest linebacker ever

[@jhonsepulvedo6750]

The best ever. Period

[@PaaMusbatu]

Wow!!

[@thomasn3882]

1982 was a strange year for the Giants. Ray Perkins was coach. Strike year. They went 4-5 and missed the playoffs by one game, after making the playoffs in '81. The Giants had horrible losses in games they should have won against the Redskins and the Falcons. So if they win those two games and make the playoffs, then maybe Perkins doesn't get fired, and then Parcells doesn't get hired in 1983. Who knows what happens next if that had happened.

[@choossuck7653]

Eddie Murray wow

[@tomlandry6515]

LT Beat The Whole Team Single Handley

[@calvinm301]

LT = 🐐

[@85Newbs]

And that's our favorite CBS football analyst Gary Danielson that LT is abusing.

[@had9656]

Goat

[@bigjimt]

Play #1. Absolute disregard for OT Play #2. Crushes Billy Sims who fumbles as his organs implode. Play #3. Ignores blocking Guard. Rag dolls Gary Danielson. Play #4. Sends Gary Danielson directly into the CBS college football booth.

[@Muchombo]

Lions Defense Dominated this game. LT was better Than them.

[@OaklandsOwn1]

WOW....

[@MrMattmatters]

Defense literally won this game

[@JohnGLewis1964]

Wasn't the only won, back then, for the Giants.

[@johnmanning4097]

W O W

[@pqh32]

Why would throw the damn ball in the 4th quarter, knowing that Giants offense did diddly crap the whole game, bad coaching run ball if you get touchdown great if not get the fg and win by three but oh well LT is the greatest player I’ve ever seen.

[@mjvamyfrankjimisteviejohn6811]

Breathtaking. Saw every one of his games. Like Mantle. OBJ is a version of Taylor but not quite as dominant, imo.

[@djprofittv9435]

Stfu

[@jdscrubs3]

One was on cocaine. The other on dat purple drank.

[@kevinharrington2078]

G olf O scar A lpha T ango nuff said

[@BaddogSports]

1:52 LOL! What a BEAST! I was blessed to see that man play for my team man. I'd give ANYTHING to have a LB that was half as good as L.T. on our team again. And you notice, no celebrating, no dancing, no posing, just high fives from his teammates.

[@mikeprevost8650]

LT, Carson, Kelley, and Van Pelt---the original Big Blue Wrecking Crew. Later on, the improved version, LT, Carson, Reasons, and Banks. The 80s were the glory years of the 3-4 D set.

[@rjam1974]

Goodness L.T. looked like a wide receiver with that speed. I remember how good he was but this game reminds me why he was the most dominant defensive player

[@DD-fm7xb]

And he showed he did it all..Pass rush, run blocking and pass defending..Younger fans think he was just a pass rusher !!

[@TheJMSESQ]

as if it needs to be said but watch the speed on that interception folks, especially those of you too young to have seen him in his prime. he would shed the blocker and be all over the QB before they could even react half the time. Forget about throwing the ball away or tucking it and running for positive yardage, you were lucky if you had enough time to bring the ball down and protect against a fumble/strip-sack. LT had a combo of size, strength, ferocity and speed the likes of which have not been seen before or since.

[@dallasbrubaker6054]

Still the best I ever saw was Dick Butkus

[@hmackprotection1]

Dallas Brubaker you’re simply lying. Shame on you

[@joerules829]

Oh, and don’t forget he didn’t play the first half because he had a bad knee.

[@jdscrubs3]

Cocaine helps make any injury better

[@tomvanorman5670]

Greatest defensive player in NFL history, case closed

[@garymiller7087]

This was unbelievable! LT 13 LIONS 6 lol

[@jaymorgenthal9479]

The greatest defensive player in the history of the NFL. I was proud to be at the HOF to see his induction in 1999.

[@wolverine974801]

LT was an athletic marvel-check out the speed on that 95 yard interception return. A 245 lb linebacker and no one was even gaining on him. Also, his display of strength on the sack is just incredible. Superior, one of a kind athleticism.

[@mikeprevost8650]

LT had the speed to play strong safety. His weight is listed at 237 lb by Pro Football Reference, and IIRC that was his weight coming out of UNC. He was only 10-12 lbs heavier than John Lynch. But LB, where he was a one man wrecking crew, was where he belonged.

[@TheVCRTimeMachine]

There was a flag on that last INT return. Lions TE David Hill picked up the flag and wagged his finger at Taylor as if to say, "It's coming back." The penalty was a hold on the Lions and the TD stood. So it goes.

[@HowardLive]

On that pick-six, LT covered those 97 yards in 11 seconds. Wearing full pads and helmet, maybe 25 pounds of gear. Sick.

[@StukInBuf]

And... as noted by someone else, with a hobbled knee.

[@GenghisKen]

....and high on cocaine too

[@jameshayes9849]

@@GenghisKen no the party was after the games not before. Maybe hungover though

[@jameshayes9849]

He used to drink alot if coffee before the games though

[@ronaldfarias1875]

I love LT and it always makes me lmao when John Madden says Lawrence Taylor He almost liked saying his name as much as Brett Favre

[@NeoNitty]

Ronald Farias dead on 😂💯

[@docinohio]

this was a great game-- LT unbelievable-- somebody that strong and big could be that FAST...freakish....these were best years of NFL-- Summerall and Madden were the best commentators for years--- too bad today's NFL, Deflategate, pansy quarterbacks, and refs that call penalties for breathing on QB--- can you imagine the one handed sack and throw to ground at 1:52 would get called as unnecessary roughness today!!

[@stephennixon9609]

The more I hear John Madden gush about Lawrence Taylor the more I think he wishes he could've coached him for just one game at least. The man was incredible.

[@mikeprevost8650]

Every coach wishes he had the chance to coach LT.

[@zyxwut321]

Greatest defensive player of all time. Period.

[@dickhurts3554]

I worked with a clown who was a patriot fan who said Yea you put two guys on him and you never hear from him! BS , they put 11 guys on him and he still dominates!

[@75aces97]

Somebody actually said that? By his third year LT was double teamed on nearly every play. Hell, Joe Gibbs even said he started using the one back offense because he needed an extra blocker against him. LATE singlehandedly changed 1980's NFL offense.

[@pattybfcakes]

LT had an injury to his knee and was held out of this game early on. Obviously didn't matter much.

[@JohnGLewis1964]

Taylor was worth 2 players throughout his career. So an LT at 75% still was a player and a half.

[@davidcarterjr.9326]

i remember watching this game with my grand pop i was only 12 my grandpop said he was a mother to block i didnt truly understsnd how great LT was until i got older great stuff!!!!!!

[@johnsnow1749]

Shit don't remember him being that fast. Goddamn WR with that speed.

[@MrKenh63]

Watching these highlight films of him reminds us that he was a great all around player, much more than just a pass rusher.

[@JohnGLewis1964]

Most Giants fans do not, or cannot, remember the early days of the 1980's when we would literally count on the Defense to score points. That is to say, for our Defense to either directly place up points on the scoreboard (as Taylor did in his famous play), or leave the offense in a very favorable position. Our D was so strong in comparison to our Offense, and rules were different back then, as were jerseys, all sorts of things... that yes, games were won defensively, *and even offensively*, by the Giants D. A curious phenomenon.

[@JohnGLewis1964]

Frenetic Geek I know...!! Though Superbowls have admittedly become more exciting, and has the game generally, TV and Networks have made much too large an inroad.... Commercials and TV time-outs dominate the game now... Though having an old fashioned "gamebreak" -- as they used to call TV time outs -- is not necessarily inimical to the spirit of football and great games ... And what with all the rule changes favoring the offense: involving the protection of the Quarterback, of receivers, and especially the calling _(or non-calling!!)_ of intentional downing .. all this does make for a much more explosive offensive situation. And we have obviously seen this. There are at least two points to worry about therefore, going forward: 1. Network control of games, scoring, and possibly ... even game results. 2. Games overly emphasizing passing and scoring.... --------------------------------------------------------------- The modern rule changes have made for fast moving, generally exciting games, albeit with the commercials. .*But* we forget _how exciting Defensive pressure can be, of sacks, and of great play by linebackers_, such as Taylor, and the 49er Line and backfield in the latter 80s, e.g.. We have to a degree lost this... I do not want to be overly critical: I believe rectification is easily possible here, and that we merely have to take care, and swing the pendulum back the other way a bit (rule changes favoring the Defense). Certainly stop the present Intentional Downing rules, by Quarterbacks (making it all too easy for them to throw the ball away). ----------------------------------------------------------------- I think, that, for example, for SB 25, and the 1990 season, we had a fairly good balance between offensive power and that of the defense then. Further, I would like to say that... not everyone is a baddie here, that we have people working for the NFL, and Commissioners, that love the game, and are working for its best. True, we do have individuals looking for profit, and this even firstly: this too cannot be denied.... I merely suggest we look back at the past, and try and improve the present game.

[@StukInBuf]

Did John Madden give LT a turkey leg, or did he end up just giving him the whole bird?

[@lockandreload]

The 80's and 90's NFL was the best...it's such a joke these days

[@dallasbrubaker6054]

The NFL is a tough and violent sport; a joke today? Please.

[@micjakes1]

never knew the boy could run like that.

[@bryansarracino8623]

I just watched this again for the millionth time and I’m still blown away...

[@mrsoftnessful]

How can a linebacker outrun a wide receiver and out strengthen a lineman. Only comes once in a generation

[@rickwpaperworkmakeschildsu4655]

Ive never seen LT knocked on his ass by a running back and Billy Sims was a very good running back

[@dt6540]

LT played special teams a few times his rookie year and remember watching him run down the field like a runaway freight train.

[@sohsie]

Has anyone on defense ever played one half while injured and literally account for all of the points their team scored in a win? LT was the greatest.

[@JohnSmith-op1tc]

I was at this game, sitting low enough in the Silverdome that it appeared Lawrence Taylor picked the pass off one handed before romping for the touchdown. Seeing Irv Cross speak to Al "Bubba" Baker prior to the game was pretty neat. The end result, as a now 46-year suffering Lions fan, not so great.

[@viciousvigilante4985]

How did things look back then in person? Did it look old like how it does on this screen or did things look polished in person?

[@JohnSmith-op1tc]

Brad Van Pelt, who was near the end of his career in this video, was an idol of mine because he grew up in Owosso, close enough to my hometown to get recognition all the way through his MSU career. He was a physical marvel, and those kind of guys stood out a bit more. Lawrence Taylor was on or above that plane. I don't see as much NFL action in person now, but it seems there are more "specimens" spread across the league these days. I see a lot of NCAA Division II football, and it's clearly not as good as 80's NFL action, but the "physical marvels" aspect sticks out, a couple of guys who get your attention on each team.

[@mroesk]

I remember watching this game. Unreal.

[@bryansarracino8623]

When I think about greatness in football I show my friends this clip.

[@Lehmann108]

I had the pleasure of watching him play in the Meadowlands over the years. My dad and I would drive from CT, park and walk towards the stadium and score great tickets from scalpers right before the game. Sweet memories. His games were almost always amazing.

[@Capecrusader79]

Love Pat Summerall saying, “ and he has a bad knee.” Wow LT was the greatest.

[@DamageLLC]

He was and is absolutely the best LB to play the game no questions asked! Amazing!

[@NeoNitty]

I mean,just pure greatness on display. That interception used to mesmerize me as a kid. Side note : I just watched that jersey guys special on NFL network it was pretty cool good.

[@TheSteveKinney]

There isn’t anyone today even close to this kind of domination. No one.

[@oldgreg1184]

LT just a beast...god the lions on thanksgiving is a tradition that needs to be broken. i mean have they ever even remotely been a frightening team to play? just a bore to watch on turkey day year in year out

[@Gamefreak8112]

I'm hurt, we're losing to Detroit, I'm hurt it's only the first half, we're losing to the Lions on Thanksgiving, I'm fine. YOU SHALL NOT PASS! You best sit the fuck back down. You drop somethin? Yoink! My ball now. Where's the turkey?

[@pantherman16]

The last strike shortened season under Ray Perkins as HC. Bill Parcells was Defensive Coordinator, and Bill Belichick was Linebackers coach. Rumor was Parcells was continuing his war with Taylor, and benched him for the 1st half for some infraction. LT put on a show in the 2nd half and assured he would never sit again unless he was traded. When Parcells became HC next season, they only won 3 games. I can remember watching this game like it was yesterday.

[@marktherreault7942]

I love it on the TD at the end LT wasn't supposed to play after the juice was pumped in it was Off to the races LT is like Mike Tyson 👍👍👍👍👍⚡⚡⚡🎯🎯

[@jameshayes9849]

I was 7 when this game was played but I remember it. Watched it with my family on Turkey Day...my question is...I remember somebody got hurt really bad in this game and I can't remember who it was and whatever happened to the guy? I just remember that they stopped the game for awhile to get the player off the field. Like I said I was 7...does anybody remember who it was and what happened to him?

[@Grit489]

Superhuman

[@MarkJohnson-xm6hy]

John Madden's statement about Lawrence Taylor about great players on great plays is noteworthy.

[@Boxghost102]

That's our league MVP

[@69ChevyGarage]

Can someone research if that has ever happened before? 27 yards of offense in a half down 6 and win the game.

[@davanmani556]

I tried to copy that end zone slide on the family room carpet and drove my parents crazy.

[@giantsclown]

The way madden says that blockers dont bother LT always makes me laugh lol

[@richrucci6908]

Throwing the QB around like a man amongst boys in the side lot

[@jessekaratekid5260]

Lions need the old Lion logo back and these helmets. C'mon Detroit.

[@jessekaratekid5260]

Giants too. Bring back those helmets. Darker blue color also.

[@sageh3634]

🔥🔥🔥 *how much excitement there is* 0:37 🖤💯 👇👇👇👇👇🔥💃

[@seedroyalnebthetchiefpries2617]

I believe LT thought to himself if I sack the QB everytime they drop back against me, none of them can be the most valuable player. But I will be! Local Solution! Global Distribution!

[@Joeyoshensbaby]

The greatest football player of all time. Period

[@pbtaxes]

I remember this game!!!i was 15 and watching with my dad....boy we knew then in 1982 we had a very very special player....Big John also knew too...jeez thank God George Young saw that too..now would someone put him in Canton too!!!!!!!

[@christopherpuylara6355]

I was home from college for this game great game my older brother had the blue Brad Van Pelt jersey ,and I used to wear it all the time.... I can't tell you how many times he told me to take it off... LOL.... #TRUE BLUE FOR LIFE Thanks again

[@robbiefindlay]

The Best NFL Player of all time imo.

[@bradlafferty6076]

The Giant offense was pure hot garbage

[@DarthVader19-77]

Pretty much the only thing LT didn't do that day is kick field goals. This is the day the beast was born.

[@StFidjnr]

0:33 carson had a little help.... From LT

[@glennporter6378]

I'm a long time Lions fan but you have to recognize what a great player LT was

[@jmsenterprisejacksonvillel9806]

Wish I could have seen this live...

[@gregoryevans8179]

He was Madden’s favorite.

[@LiquidChamploo]

What a nightmare he must be for that QB in future games lol

[@lordtitan8553]

Lord all mighty !!!!

[@10.11.9]

Do you have video of the dirty hit on Leon Bright?

[@christopherpuylara6355]

Nice slide... LT.... "SAFE " in the end zone

[@Jwhi12]

LT is amazing.