When it comes to running backs setting the standard for generations to come, Legendary Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor the name must come up – every time.

Taylor was not only one of the best running backs of his era, but rather he is one of the best running backs in NFL history. His blend of size, power and speed and his ability to be as dangerous as a pass catcher as he was a runner made him a rare talent.

And not only did Taylor dazzle with his talent, but he also helped motivate the next generation of running backs with his longevity and consistent production. Among the running backs he helped inspire are potential future Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Frank Gore,

“Because he’s one of the guys like when I first came into the league, he’s the one I followed on his coat tail. We trained every offseason. And you know, he was at it a long time. And he was still playing at 30-something, so that’s also what gave me hope,” Gore told Jim Rome.

“Freddie T man, he’s crazy. He’s fast, strong, he could make you miss, he could catch the ball. He did everything on the field, man. I just want my boy’s name called for the HOF man, because his talent set, he got the numbers that showed he was a baseball player. I just hope they put my guy in there.

The Jaguars selected Taylor 9th overall out of the University of Florida in the 1998 NFL Draft and he broke franchise records in a career that spanned more than a decade.

Taylor recorded 13,632 total yards and 70 touchdowns in his career, with the vast majority of them coming from Jacksonville. He is the all-time leading rusher in franchise history with 11,271 yards, more than 3,000 more than his fullback. He ranks 17th all-time in rushing yards.

When it comes to his production during his career, which spanned from 1998 to 2010, Taylor ticked most of the boxes. He rushed for at least 1,000 yards in seven of his 13 seasons and scored 32 rushing touchdowns in just his first three seasons.

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