Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor hung up his cleats after 12 NFL seasons, but his involvement with the league is far from over.
Taylor is pursuing a broadcasting career and is working as a coaching intern with the Steelers.
The two-time Super Bowl champion reflected on retirement, former Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, and his strong relationship with Troy Polamalu, who also retired in the offseason.
"It just hit me. I wasn't thinking about it, and then all of sudden, it was like, 'Man, I'm done,'" Taylor said to Monday Morning Quarterback's Jenny Vrentas. "Everybody said, 'You've got two at least, three more good years.' Nah, I understand what you are all saying, but I'm done. And I'm sure a lot of people thought I was playing until they actually saw that announcement, and they realized, damn, he's for real."
Taylor spent his entire career playing alongside Polamalu, both of whom were selected during the 2003 NFL Draft. The two formed a special bond over their 12 years together, with Taylor alluding to a brotherhood of sorts.
"Take the GPS off and put the Wi-Fi on. That's how you navigate (retirement). We couldn't have scripted it better," Taylor said. "Well, we didn't even script it, it just happened. I was going to retire regardless. I didn't know when Troy was going to retire. But I told myself, when Troy makes his retirement, I would make mine. That's my loyalty toward Troy. The man is in my will, so that's letting you know how I feel toward him."
LeBeau was the Steelers' defensive coordinator for the overwhelming majority of Taylor's career but claimed an almost identical role with the Tennessee Titans in February. Taylor opined on his relationship with the Hall of Famer.
As long as Dicky is happy, I'm happy. That's what we call him, Dicky. Dicky is a living legend. Dicky is one of my all-time favorites. There is no smoother, more charming, cooler, Jesus-walking-on-earth (other-than-Troy-Polamalu) than Dick LeBeau. He's one of a kind. The man has a CD. Can pretty much play any instrument you want him to play. He just so happened to act back in the day. He was in Detroit in the time of Motown. We call him white chocolate. Like, he's just that guy. I don't care how old he is, he’s just that guy. If you want to play him in pool, he's gonna get you. And if you want to play him in cards, he's going to win. And if you want to play him in golf, you're wasting your time. His legend ain't going nowhere.
For the first time in over a decade, Taylor won't be suiting up in the fall. However, it would be unwise to expect the former Steelers cornerback to fade out of the limelight immediately.
