Jason Taylor II Bio
Jason Taylor II is an American professional football safety who was born on December 30, 1999, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys and was recognized as a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2022. Taylor entered the NFL through the 2023 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the seventh round with the 234th overall pick. Over his young professional career, Taylor has also been associated with the Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, and Orlando Storm of the United Football League.
Early Life and Background
Jason Taylor II was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He attended Carl Albert High School in nearby Midwest City, where he developed into one of the top defensive prospects in the state. As a senior, Taylor delivered an exceptional season by intercepting nine passes, earning him the distinction of being named the state Defensive Player of the Year by The Oklahoman. His performance on the field attracted attention from multiple college programs seeking his services.
Following his standout high school career, Taylor received scholarship offers from several universities. He ultimately decided to commit to play college football at Oklahoma State University, choosing the Cowboys over other notable programs including Tulsa and Southern Methodist University.
Path to the NFL
At Oklahoma State, Taylor began his collegiate career in 2018 as a true freshman. He appeared in three games during his inaugural season before utilizing a redshirt, preserving a year of eligibility. As a redshirt freshman, Taylor primarily contributed on special teams, gradually adapting to the pace and demands of college football at the highest level.
His breakthrough arrived one game into his redshirt junior season. When starting safety Tre Sterling suffered an injury, Taylor was elevated to the first-team defense and never looked back. He finished that season with 48 tackles, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, four passes defended, and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. His productive campaign earned him honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference recognition.
During his redshirt senior season in 2022, Taylor elevated his game to another level. He recorded 99 tackles and six interceptions, demonstrating his range and playmaking ability from the safety position. His outstanding performance earned him first-team All-Big 12 Conference honors and second-team All-American recognition from the Walter Camp Football Foundation. Following the conclusion of his senior season, Taylor declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, concluding his productive Oklahoma State career.
Jason Taylor II Career
Los Angeles Rams (2023–2024)
Jason Taylor II was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the seventh round, 234th overall, in the 2023 NFL Draft. The selection connected him with a franchise that had recently competed in Super Bowl LVI. He began his professional journey with the Rams, working to transition from the college game to the speed and complexity of NFL offenses.
His rookie season encountered an early obstacle when Taylor was placed on injured reserve on September 15, 2023. He remained on the list for several weeks before being activated back to the roster on November 25, 2023. The experience of working through injury and rehabilitation provided valuable lessons about the physical demands of professional football.
Entering his second professional season in 2024, Taylor continued competing for playing time within the Rams defensive scheme. On August 27, 2024, the Rams waived Taylor. He subsequently re-signed to the practice squad, indicating the team’s continued interest in his development. However, he was released from the practice squad on September 10, 2024, ending his tenure with the organization that had originally drafted him.
Arizona Cardinals (2024)
Seeking to continue his NFL career, Taylor signed with the Arizona Cardinals practice squad on September 17, 2024. The opportunity allowed him to join a different defensive system and compete for a spot on the active roster. However, his time with the Cardinals concluded when he was released on October 29, 2024, following several weeks on the practice squad.
Kansas City Chiefs (2025)
On January 9, 2025, Jason Taylor II signed a reserve/future contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, joining the reigning Super Bowl champions. The signing represented a fresh opportunity with one of the league’s premier organizations. However, his time with the Chiefs was short-lived when he was waived on May 1, 2025, prior to the start of the regular season.
Defensive Skills and Playing Style
Jason Taylor II plays the safety position with instincts and range that allowed him to make plays across the field throughout his college career. His ball skills stood out at Oklahoma State, where he demonstrated the ability to read quarterbacks and break on passes. Taylor showed versatility by contributing against both the pass and the run, evidenced by his sack production as a collegian. His experience playing multiple roles in the secondary and on special teams reflects his adaptability and football intelligence.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Taylor’s collegiate career came during his redshirt senior season in 2022 when he earned first-team All-Big 12 and second-team All-American honors. His six interceptions that season demonstrated his ability to be a difference-maker in the backend of a defense. His transition to the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick represented another milestone, though his early professional career has been marked by roster movement and the challenge of establishing himself at the sport’s highest level.
Jason Taylor II Career Statistics
Across his NFL career through the 2024 season, Taylor has accumulated limited statistics while working to earn a consistent role on active rosters. His collegiate career at Oklahoma State provided the most extensive statistical record of his football career thus far.
College Statistics Highlights
During his four seasons at Oklahoma State, Taylor developed into one of the Big 12 Conference’s top safeties. His redshirt junior season saw him record 48 tackles, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, four passes defended, and two interceptions with one touchdown return. His most prolific season came as a redshirt senior in 2022 when he compiled 99 tackles and six interceptions, leading the conference in the latter category and earning recognition as one of the nation’s top safeties.
NFL Career Statistics
In limited NFL action through the 2024 season, Taylor recorded five total tackles. His rookie season was abbreviated due to placement on injured reserve, and his subsequent opportunities came primarily during training camp and practice squad periods with various organizations.
| Competition | Tackles | Interceptions | Passes Defended |
|---|---|---|---|
| College (Oklahoma State, 2018–2022) | 147 | 8 | 8 |
| NFL (2023–2024) | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Jason Taylor II Family
Family Background
Jason Taylor II comes from a football environment in Oklahoma. His surname may suggest a connection to the NFL, though specific details about his family lineage in professional football are not extensively documented in available sources. He grew up in Oklahoma City and attended Carl Albert High School, where his individual talents became evident.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Taylor maintains a public presence on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. He completed his college education at Oklahoma State University, graduating after his football career there. As a professional athlete in his mid-twenties, Taylor continues to pursue opportunities in professional football while building his career in the sport.
2025 Season Outlook
The 2025 season represents an important chapter in Jason Taylor II’s professional football journey. After beginning the year with the Kansas City Chiefs on a reserve/future contract, Taylor was waived in early May 2025, making him available to sign with another organization during the offseason period or training camp. The opportunity to join the Chiefs’ program, even briefly, exposed him to elite-level defensive concepts and a winning organizational culture.
Taylor’s skill set as a safety with playmaking ability remains his asset in pursuing roster spots. His collegiate production demonstrated the capability to make plays on the ball and contribute in multiple defensive roles. The challenge for Taylor in 2025 and beyond will be finding an organization where he can secure a consistent role and demonstrate his abilities over an extended period. With continued development and opportunity, the Oklahoma City native has the tools to establish himself as a reliable NFL safety.