As he watched the 2025 NFL draft on TV at his son’s draft party Friday night in South Florida, Jason Taylor couldn’t believe his eyes, which immediately flooded with tears.
Taylor’s 20-year-old son, LSU tight end Mason Taylor, was drafted by the Jets in the second round with the 42nd overall pick, adding a much-needed talent to a depleted position.
Taylor, a Hall of Fame pass rusher with 139 ¹/₂ career sacks who made his name with the Miami Dolphins, played one season for the Jets in 2010, producing six sacks and two forced fumbles.
Taylor’s season with the Jets was the last year the Jets made the playoffs, losing in the AFC Championship in January of 2011.
When that factoid was brought to his attention Friday night, Taylor was taken aback, saying, “I didn’t know that. Let’s change that.’’
Asked what it’ll be like for him when the Jets and his son play the Dolphins, Taylor said, “[I’m] so identified with that franchise, I obviously love, love, love the Miami Dolphins and their fans. But as you know, this is not my first rodeo being on the other side of the tracks, so I’ve got to say it: ‘J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets.’ ’’
Taylor was constantly blotting away tears as he spoke about Mason as a Jet.
“You really can’t put it into words,’’ he said. “I’m a very emotional guy when it comes to my kids, so obviously I was crying and overcome with joy for him.’’
Taylor said the fit for Mason with newly hired, no-nonsense Jets coach Aaron Glenn is perfect.
“Mason’s all about ball,’’ Taylor said. “He loves football. He loves working at it. He’s not real big on all the auxiliary things that come with it. He’s going to be in a great spot to focus on his game.’’
Asked what advice he will give his son as he embarks on an NFL career, Taylor said, “First of all, be where your feet are. Enjoy the moment. That’s one of the things I regret for my professional journey — not always taking in the moment, but trying to chase the next thing.
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“My greatest team success was in New York. A part of my heart has always been in New York, the greatest city on the planet. I love it and I’m glad to have a chance to go play there.
“This means everything … to me as a father this moment in time,’’ Taylor added. “The sun has set on my career. It’s awesome to be able to sit back and watch him, and for him to walk through the same place I was and be in the same locker room and take that same path … you’re trying to make the cry again. I’m fighting it.’’
And then the tears flowed again.
