Taylor Decker
{{Short description|American football player (born 1993)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Taylor Decker
| image = Taylor Decker Detroit Lions (52480402764) (cropped).jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Decker with the Detroit Lions in 2022
| current_team = Detroit Lions
| number = 68
| position = Offensive tackle
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|8|23}}
| birth_place = Vandalia, Ohio, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 7
| weight_lbs = 318
| high_school = Vandalia (OH) Butler
| college = Ohio State (2012–2015)
| draftyear = 2016
| draftround = 1
| draftpick = 16
| pastteams =
- Detroit Lions ({{NFL Year|2016}}–present)
| status = Active
| highlights =
- Pro Bowl (2024)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2016)
- CFP national champion (2014)
- Consensus All-American (2015)
- Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year (2015)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2015)
- Second-team All-Big Ten (2014)
| statseason = 2024
| statweek = 18
| statlabel1 = Games played
| statvalue1 = 126
| statlabel2 = Games started
| statvalue2 = 126
| statlabel3 = Receptions
| statvalue3 = 3
| statlabel4 = Receiving yards
| statvalue4 = 15
| statlabel5 = Receiving touchdowns
| statvalue5 = 2
| pfr = D/DeckTa00
}}
Taylor Decker (born August 23, 1993) is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he was a consensus All-American. He was selected by the Lions in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft.
Early life
Decker attended Butler High School in Vandalia, Ohio. He was a three-year starter for the football team as a left tackle. He was rated by Rivals.com as a four-star recruit and was ranked as the 23rd-best offensive tackle in his class.{{Cite web |title=Taylor Decker, 2012 Offensive Tackle, Ohio State |url=https://rivals.com/content/athletes/taylor-decker-4255?view=pv |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=Rivals.com |language=en-US}} He originally committed to the University of Notre Dame to play college football but changed to Ohio State University.{{Cite web |last=Pendleton |first=Marc F. |date=January 28, 2012 |title=Vandalia Butler tackle Decker commits to OSU |url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/high-school/vandalia-butler-tackle-decker-commits-osu/3gBauLnzl5DmoLD2eJ7SRO/ |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=Dayton Daily News |language=English}} In addition to football, Decker played basketball in high school.{{Cite web |last=Ludwiczak |first=Brett |date=April 21, 2016 |title=How basketball has helped Taylor Decker |url=https://www.landgrantholyland.com/2016/4/21/11478916/ohio-state-news-taylor-decker-2016-nfl-draft-woody-hayes-trademark |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=Land-Grant Holy Land |language=en}}
College career
Decker played in all 12 games as a true freshman in the 2012 season. He played mostly special teams, but played 22 snaps on offense. Decker took over as a starter his sophomore season in the 2013 season, starting all 14 games at the right tackle position.{{Cite web |last=Lesmerises |first=Doug |date=December 12, 2013 |title=No. 19, Taylor Decker: Ranking the best Ohio State Buckeyes of 2013 |url=http://www.cleveland.com/osu/index.ssf/2013/12/no_20_taylor_decker_ranking_th.html |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=cleveland.com}} Decker moved from right tackle to left tackle his junior year in 2014 and was the Buckeyes only returning starter on the offensive line.{{Cite web |last=Rabinowitz |first=Bill |date=August 18, 2014 |title=Ohio State football: Taylor Decker grabs leadership role |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/college/2014/08/18/ohio-state-football-taylor-decker/23948383007/ |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=The Columbus Dispatch |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Lesmerises |first=Doug |date=April 10, 2014 |title=New guys, same attitude: Coach Ed Warinner, returning starter Taylor Decker must retain Ohio State's offensive line warrior culture |url=https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2014/04/new_guys_same_attitude_coach_e.html |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=cleveland.com |language=en}} He started all 15 games, including the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship victory over Oregon.{{Cite web |last=Landis |first=Bill |date=December 31, 2014 |title=Ohio State football: Taylor Decker's story told through his tattoos - 'Nobody wants to be average' |url=https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2014/12/ohio_state_buckeyes_taylor_dec.html |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=cleveland.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Ward |first=Austin |date=January 8, 2015 |title=Taylor Decker's return crucial for Ohio State in '15 |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/114012/taylor-deckers-return-crucial-for-ohio-state-in-15 |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}
Professional career
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 7
| weight = 310
| dash = 5.23
| ten split = 1.80
| twenty split = 3.02
| shuttle = 4.76
| cone drill = 7.70
| vertical = 29
| broad ft = 8
| broad in = 5
| bench = 22
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 33 3/4
| hand span = 10
| note = All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/taylor-decker/32004445-4349-6460-9999-a94a63949256 |title=Taylor Decker Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=February 10, 2025}}{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=122692&DraftYear=2016 |title=Taylor Decker College Football Profile |website=DraftScout.com |access-date=February 10, 2025}}
}}
file: Taylor Decker (cropped).jpg
Decker was drafted in the first round with the 16th overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2016 NFL draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Detroit-Lions-draft-tackle-Taylor-Decker/80a6a96d-c257-4b5c-a6fe-60bc9b67a63c|title=Detroit Lions draft tackle Taylor Decker|first=Tim|last=Twentyman|work=Detroit Lions|access-date=April 29, 2016|date=April 29, 2016|archive-date=April 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430115705/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Detroit-Lions-draft-tackle-Taylor-Decker/80a6a96d-c257-4b5c-a6fe-60bc9b67a63c|url-status=dead}}
On May 6, 2016, the Lions signed Decker to a fully guaranteed four-year, $10.96 million contract with a signing bonus of $6.17 million.{{Cite web |last=Rothstein |first=Michael |date=May 11, 2016 |title=Taylor Decker's contract continues Lions' first-round trend -- no bonuses |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/23574/breaking-down-taylor-deckers-10-9-million-lions-rookie-contract |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Decker started all 16 games at the left tackle position in his rookie season and was the only player besides quarterback Matthew Stafford to play every snap on offense for the Lions. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL All-Rookie Team |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-2016.htm |access-date=August 3, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} Decker was named the Lions Rookie of the Year for 2016 in voting by the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association.
On June 6, 2017, it was revealed that Decker had undergone shoulder surgery, and was ruled out for four to six months.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=June 6, 2017 |title=Taylor Decker undergoes shoulder surgery |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-ot-taylor-decker-undergoes-shoulder-surgery-0ap3000000813431 |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=NFL.com}} He was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start the 2017 season.{{cite web|title=Lions establish 53-man roster|url=http://www.detroitlions.com/news/news-short/article-1/Lions-establish-53-man-roster/afd5f964-b8d1-4f20-8b0b-055acb8905ac|website=DetroitLions.com|date=September 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903005052/https://www.detroitlions.com/news/news-short/article-1/Lions-establish-53-man-roster/afd5f964-b8d1-4f20-8b0b-055acb8905ac|archive-date=September 3, 2017|url-status=dead}} He was activated off PUP on November 11, 2017,{{Cite web |date=November 11, 2017 |title=Lions activate T Taylor Decker and T Corey Robinson |url=https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-activate-t-taylor-decker-and-t-corey-robinson-19745845 |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=DetroitLions.com}} and started the final eight games of the season at left tackle.
On December 2, 2018, Decker caught a touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford, when celebrating for the touchdown he threw the football into the stands. After the game Decker tweeted that this touchdown was his first touchdown ever, and he had been playing football since the first grade,{{cite tweet |last=Decker |first=Taylor |author-link=Taylor Decker |user=__taylordecker |number=1069408486457516032 |date=December 3, 2018 |title=To whoever caught/has the ball I threw into the stands. I've played football since first grade, and that was my first ever touchdown. I'd love to have that ball, and would be more than happy to hook you up if you'd be willing. #defendtheden #bigmantouchdown |language=en |access-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126214213/https://twitter.com/__taylordecker/status/1069408486457516032 |archive-date=November 26, 2022 |url-status=live}} and requested that he could get in contact with the fan who caught it. On December 3, 2018, Decker was put in contact with the fan that caught it and got his first ever touchdown ball back.{{cite tweet |last=Decker |first=Taylor |author-link=Taylor Decker |user=__taylordecker |number=1069610866910404611 |date=December 3, 2018 |title=I HAVE FOUND HIM!!!!!!! AND HE IS BEING GREAT ABOUT IT #socialmediastrikesagain |language=en |access-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129040327/https://twitter.com/__taylordecker/status/1069610866910404611 |archive-date=November 29, 2022 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Atkins |first=Nate |date=December 6, 2018 |title=Taylor Decker's mic'd up moment shows a rare O-Lineman touchdown |url=https://www.mlive.com/lions/2018/12/taylor-deckers-micd-up-moment-shows-a-rare-o-lineman-touchdown.html |access-date=July 17, 2019 |website=mlive.com |language=en-US}}
On April 29, 2019, the Lions exercised the fifth-year option on Decker's contract.{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2019 |title=Lions exercise fifth-year option for T Taylor Decker |url=https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-exercise-fifth-year-option-for-t-taylor-decker |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=DetroitLions.com}}
On September 1, 2020, Decker signed a five-year, $70.35 million contract extension with the Lions.{{Cite web |date=September 2, 2020 |title=Lions sign T Taylor Decker to multi-year contract extension |url=https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-sign-taylor-decker-to-multi-year-contract-extension |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=DetroitLions.com |language=en-US}} Decker revealed in an interview with Pardon My Take, that he played the start of the 2020 season with appendicitis.{{cite tweet |author=Pardon My Take |author-link=Pardon My Take |user=PardonMyTake |number=1603041941096222722 |date=December 14, 2022 |title=Taylor Decker. Football Guy. @__taylordecker @rhoback https://t.co/pVpx4NFvnQ |language=en |access-date=December 20, 2022}}
On September 11, 2021, Decker was placed on injured reserve after undergoing finger surgery.{{Cite web |last=Maakaron |first=John |date=September 11, 2021 |title=Taylor Decker Placed on Injured Reserve List |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/taylor-decker-placed-on-injured-reserve-list |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=Sports Illustrated |language=en}} He was activated on November 2, 2021.{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Justin |date=November 2, 2021 |title=Lions activate left tackle Taylor Decker from injured reserve |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/11/02/detroit-lions-activate-left-tackle-taylor-decker-injured-reserve/6255997001/ |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}} He appeared in and started nine games in the 2021 season.{{cite web | title=Taylor Decker 2021 Game Log | website=Pro-Football-Reference.com | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DeckTa00/gamelog/2021/ | access-date=September 26, 2024}}
On January 2, 2022, in a game against the Seattle Seahawks, Decker scored his second career touchdown on a pass from Tim Boyle.{{Cite web |last=Risdon |first=Jeff |date=January 3, 2022 |title=Watch: Lions LT Taylor Decker hauls in a touchdown catch vs. Seahawks |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-lions-lt-taylor-decker-000249065.html |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=Yahoo! Sports |language=en-US}} Decker was awarded the 2022 media-friendly Good Guy Award by the Detroit Sports Media Association and Detroit chapter of the Pro Football Writers Association.{{Cite web |last=Eisner |first=George |date=January 8, 2023 |title=Taylor Decker is Officially a Good Guy |url=https://www.elevenwarriors.com/the-weekender/2023/01/136747/jim-harbaugh-nfl-nothingburger-investigation-michigan-bill-connelly-national-titles-osu-taylor-decker-nfl-media |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=Eleven Warriors |language=en}} In the 2022 season, he started in all 17 games.{{cite web | title=Taylor Decker 2022 Game Log | website=Pro-Football-Reference.com | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DeckTa00/gamelog/2022/ | access-date=September 26, 2024}} In the 2023 season, he appeared in and started 15 games.{{cite web | title=Taylor Decker 2023 Game Log | website=Pro-Football-Reference.com | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DeckTa00/gamelog/2023/ | access-date=September 26, 2024}}
On July 29, 2024, Decker and the Lions agreed to a three–year, $60 million contract extension.{{cite web | last=Patra | first=Kevin | title=Lions tackle Taylor Decker signing three-year, $60 million extension | website=NFL.com | date=July 29, 2024 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-tackle-taylor-decker-signing-three-year-60-million-extension | access-date=August 13, 2024}} In the 2024 season, he appeared in and started 14 games.{{Cite web |title=Taylor Decker 2024 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DeckTa00/gamelog/2024/ |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}
=NFL career statistics=
| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2"| Legend |
| Bold
| Career high |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | |||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="8"| Offense | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Snaps | Pct | Holding | False start | Decl/Pen | Acpt/Pen | TD | |
| 2016 | DET
| 16 || 16 || 1,037 || 100% || 3 || 3 || 2 || 6 || 0 | ||||||||
| 2017 | DET
| 8 || 8 || 471 || 97% || 1 || 2 || 3 || 3 || 0 | ||||||||
| 2018 | DET
| 16 || 16 || 1,062 || 99% || 2 || 3 || 2 || 5 || 1 | ||||||||
| 2019 | DET
| 15 || 15 || 1,017 || 100% || 5 || 3 || 2 || 8 || 0 | ||||||||
| 2020 | DET
| 16 || 16 || 1,046 || 100% || 1 || 5 || 0 || 6 || 0 | ||||||||
| 2021 | DET
| 9 || 9 || 529 || 95% || 2 || 4 || 1 || 6 || 1 | ||||||||
| 2022 | DET
| 17 || 17 || 1,142 || 100% || 2 || 4 || 0 || 6 || 0 | ||||||||
| 2023 | DET
| 15 || 15 || 1,042 || 100% || 1 || 4 || 0 || 7 || 0 | ||||||||
| 2024 | DET
| 14 || 14 || 895 || 96% || 0 || 1 || 2 || 1 || 0 | ||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DeckTa00.htm Career] | 126 | 126 | 8,241 | – | 17 | 29 | 12 | 48 | 0 |
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Commons category|Taylor Decker (offensive tackle)}}
- [http://www.detroitlions.com/team/roster/taylor-decker/a341cfea-7a3a-4ba7-9337-39220e7d3207 Detroit Lions bio]
- [http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/taylor_decker_797951.html Ohio State Buckeyes bio]
{{2014 Ohio State Buckeyes football navbox}}
{{2015 NCAA Division I FBS College Football Consensus All-Americans}}
{{2016 NFL Draft}}
{{LionsFirstPick}}
{{Lions2016DraftPicks}}
{{Detroit Lions roster navbox}}
{{Portal bar|American football|Biography|College football}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Decker, Taylor}}
Category:People from Vandalia, Ohio
Category:Players of American football from Montgomery County, Ohio
Category:American football offensive tackles
Category:Ohio State Buckeyes football players