Athlete Interview Series - Jamar Taylor

NFL Cornerback | Boise State

PMR: Name 3 things an athlete needs to be successful.

J.T.: A good support system, work ethic, mental toughness

PMR: When it's all said and done and you move on to be successful in the next phase of your life, how would teammates you respected remember you as a teammate?

J.T.: I think they would remember me as I really hard worker. That I was someone who was selfless. I’ve always felt a chip on my shoulder and I never want to leave the game with regrets. With that being said I pride myself on hard work and dedication, but at the same time teaching those around me. If I do that then I know it’ll be a revolving door of guys helping guys out. It’s always about leaving a place better than you found it!

PMR: Is there any specific thing you've done over the course of your career to keep you in the game?

J.T.: From a physical: massage, yoga, daily physical therapy. From a mental: Ive had a psychologist (s/o Kobe Bryant) also just always staying grounded in my faith

PMR: What is the greatest, or one of the greatest lessons you have learned through the process?

J.T.: That the NFL is a business and that it should be treated as so! But with that being said to always remember it’s a kids game. Always, always have fun because having fun is why we play sports in the first place.

PMR: Knowing what you know now in your career, what do you wish you knew back in high school?

J.T.: I think that everything is a grind. When you are in high school everything comes easy. But to get to the next level it’s going to take sacrifice. There will be birthdays and holidays missed. A lot of family time, but when you’re chasing greatness it’s worth it. So I would tell myself don’t get sad when you’ve missed out. Just continue to work so that you can leave a legacy.

PMR: How do you manage adversity or what tools do you use in dealing with adversity?

J.T.: I think I’ve been through so much in this league that’s been out of my control. One thing I do to manage adversity is I stick to knowing who I am and my faith in God. I know that I’ve put stuff on tape that’s good and to just stick with that when things transpire. To always just remember who I am.

PMR: Name a coach or teammate over the course of your career that has had the biggest impact on you and why?

J.T.: Cortland Finnegan by far. As a second year player in Miami who didn’t play much he’s rookie year because of injuries. Cortland made sure I knew ball my second year. We watched film every night during the season. He taught me stuff about on the field and off the NFL when it comes to the NFL business. I have to give him a lot of credit for my success. He always said “I’m going to make sure you got it, so once you’re on the field they can never take you off”

PMR: In order to continually test yourself physically and mentally you must have a strong "why". What is your "why"?

J.T.: Easy my daughter and my family. I have to go out everyday and put my best foot forward because my daughter is depending on me.