Archive for the ‘Where Are They Now’ Category

In our "Where are They Now" series we will focus on #56 Lawrence Taylor, without a doubt the best linebacker who has ever played in the NFL. Many consider him the best defensive player in the history of the game others even go as far as mentioning his name with the greatest players regardless of position.

L.T. revolutionized the linebacker position in the early 1980's with his speed, strength and intelligence. He made it common practice to swat at the ball in order to create turnovers by opposing players who feared him. He not only changed how defense was played but also how offenses would approach playing him. They had to account for #56 and adjust their game plans and alignments.

L.T. played his college ball at The University of North Carolina where he was an All American, he was drafted by the NY Giants as the second overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft. His years with New York were full of success both as an individual but also as part of great Giants teams which won Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXV under his leadership. He was named as the NFL MVP in 1986 after recording 20.5 sacks. He was also named Defensive Player of the Year three times.

His life on and off the field is full of accomplishments but also controversy. Lawrence has had a very published and talked about addiction with narcotics, specifically cocaine. His battle has been well documented but this in no way has affected or tarnished his place in NFL history, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999. A well liked player during and after his career, Taylor has moved from the field to the big screen starring in featured films and TV shows.

He was a big hit on Dancing with the Stars along side his beautiful dance partner Edyta Śliwińska, unfortunately L.T. was eliminated in week seven. When it comes to being in front of the camera Lawrence has had appearances in  films such as "Any Given Sunday", "Shaft" and "The Waterboy". Television appearances include a spot on "The Sopranos" where he played himself and he has also worked as a commentator for TNT Sunday Night Football which never took off. Taylor also appeared in Wrestle Mania where he fought and defeated Bam Bam Bigalow and hosted a show called "Toughman" on FX. He is in the process of furthering his acting career and has some undisclosed projects coming up to a big or small screen near you.

After his playing career L.T. started a company called All-Pro Products which instantly became profitable after going public, the stock tripled within the very first month. The initial value was in the millions but the stock then plummeted and it was later discovered that LT had been defrauded by Hanover Sterling & Company a penny stock firm who short sold the stock and lead the company to its demise.

Lawrence Taylor has lived a wild live during and after his NFL career, he admitted to having affairs with prostitutes and even admitted to sending prostitutes to opposing players during his career in order to get them tired for the next days game. These days it seems this great former NFL star has toned it down more than a bit and has successfully over come his addiction to cocaine. He has been clean since 1998 and has remarried for a third time. When he isn't working you can find #56 at the golf course perfecting his favorite hobby.

Many players have been compared to L.T., Ray Lewis for example plays with the same intensity, others like Ladainian Tomlinson bare his initials and nick name but there will never be another Lawrence Taylor!

Carlos Caicedo
GiantsKickoff.com - Copyright 2009

As a kid I had the privilege of watching #58 Carl Banks play in what arguably may be considered the best linebacker core in NFL history along side Lawrence Taylor and Pepper Johnson.

He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans and made his mark as an outstanding player even through those tough years in the early 1980's. He was named three times to the first team All Big Ten and his senior year he was an All American. There was no doubt Carl had drive and was destined for more success to come.

In 1984 the NY Giants made him the third pick in the NFL draft, he played for New York from 1984 to 1992. Within this time period he was a key member of two championships in Superbowl XXI and Super Bowl XXV. Banks was also named to the 1980's All Decade Team and made the Pro Bowl in 1987. Carl played the game old school, he played hard and left everything on the field every Sunday. It was truly a pleasure to watch him play. In both Super Bowl runs he had with the Giants, New York was considered heavy underdogs when facing high powered offensive teams in the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills. These NY teams over came many obstacles to win these Championships and #58 was a big time contributor to their successful runs.

After 1992 he had stints with The Washington Redskins and The Cleveland Browns. He retired in 1995 but unlike many players his success did not stop when his football career ended. Banks embarked in several lucrative and successful business ventures which include part ownership of the New Jersey Red Dogs in the Arena Football League. His partners in ownership were ex Giants players Harry Carson and Joe Morris.

G-III by Cal Banks is another successful business venture which he created from the ground up and has now become a major player within the athletic apparel market. His sports clothing line mixes modern and hip styles with an urban touch and includes a full line of sexy women sports apparel.

This old school linebacker's business ventures do not stop there he is also a recognized voice for Sirius NFL radio and WFAN. Who knows what else Carl Banks has in store for the future but what ever it is you can rest assured that it will be a success.

Carlos Caicedo
GiantsKickoff.com - Copyright 2009

Mark Ingram has had a life full of extraordinary highs and rock bottom lows. A true fallen giant who has gone from Super Bowl XXV hero to an inmate in the Federal Prison System.

In 1991 during the Super Bowl against the Buffalo Bills, Ingram caught a pass and evaded several Bills tacklers and hopped his way to the most important first down in that game. I truly believe the NY Giants would have lost that game without his contribution.

Mark was a good wide receiver who played for the Giants, Dolphins, Packers and Eagles in his professional NFL career. He was drafted by New York as the 28th pick of the first round from Michigan State University in 1987. He was given a $400,000 signing bonus with a lucrative $1.285 million contract.

Ingram was also involved in another memorable play on November 27th, 1994 when his Miami Dolphins led by Dan Marino defeated AFC East rivals The New York Jets in the infamous fake spike play. With seconds left Dan Marino runs up to the line of scrimmage and motions to his team that a spike is coming up in order to stop the clock, instead he takes the snap and throws a pass to the corner of the end zone to Ingram who catches his 4th touchdown pass of the game.

Mark retired 1997 and that is where all his troubles began. He had several run ins with the law which resulted in arrests and legal issues. In 2001 Mark Ingram was arrested and convicted for possession of counterfeit money which totaled $3,290, his sentence for this offense was six months. In 2004 he was sentenced to one year in prison after an arrest for stealing a credit card in Michigan. In 2007 he was charged but not convicted on counts of breaking and entering and stealing a purse. There was not sufficient evidence in this case to convict. On September 16th, 2008 (exactly one year ago today) he received his longest sentence of seven years for committing bank fraud and laundering money.

This last sentence was rock bottom for Mark Ingram, he pleaded for lenience when he addressed the judge but his prior criminal record was not helpful. He was trying to buy some time in order to watch his son Mark Ingram Jr. play in the SEC Championship game with his Alabama team. The judge ruled he had until 12/05/08 to turn himself in. The date came and went and Ingram failed to show up at which point a warrant was issued for his arrest.

He was finally tracked down and apprehended on January 3, 2009 in Flint Michigan. Mark Ingram now 44 years old faces additional charges for evading authorities and failure to turn himself in to serve his sentence.

His son is a very talented player and seems destined for the NFL. It is unfortunate that bad decisions and a lack of respect for the law will prohibit him from enjoying the special moments Jr. may have in his professional football career.

Carlos Caicedo
GiantsKickoff.com - Copyright 2009