Jonathan Taylor

Jonathan Gregg Taylor was born January 19, 1999, in Salem, New Jersey, a small town in the southwest corner of the state. He was raised in a close-knit family — his parents Elizabeth and Rick have been a constant presence at his games through college and NFL career — and his upbringing in a less-heralded football region initially limited his recruiting exposure. But his work ethic and production eventually translated to national attention.

Taylor attended Salem High School, where his combination of track-sprinter speed and physicality made him a multi-time state track champion in addition to his football exploits. He signed with Wisconsin, declining offers from closer Big Ten schools, and immediately became one of the most productive backs in Badger history. His three seasons in Madison produced over 6,100 rushing yards — the NCAA record for a player in three seasons — and he won the Doak Walker Award twice.

The Indianapolis Colts selected Taylor in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he stepped into the starter role by his second season. His 2021 campaign remains one of the most dominant single seasons by a running back in recent memory: he led the NFL in rushing with 1,811 yards and scored 18 rushing touchdowns, earning consensus first-team All-Pro honors and a second-place finish in Offensive Player of the Year voting.

Taylor has been a multiple-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL's premier featured backs when healthy. His blend of sprinter-level long speed, balance through contact, and acceleration through the hole has made him one of the more explosive featured runners of his generation. Injuries and a high-profile contract dispute with the Colts interrupted his rise, but he has since restored his standing as one of the league's top backs.

Off the field, Taylor has cultivated a reputation for intellectual curiosity uncommon for a star athlete — he graduated from Wisconsin with a degree in philosophy and has spoken in interviews about reading and chess as off-field pursuits. His deliberate, thoughtful public demeanor has contrasted with many of his peers and has made him a respected veteran voice in the Colts' locker room.

Taylor holds endorsement deals with Nike, Gatorade, and other brands, and he has been involved with youth football initiatives in both his native Salem, New Jersey, and the Indianapolis market. His continued success has made him the centerpiece of an Indianapolis franchise looking to return to playoff contention behind a rushing attack built on his production.