Trey Taylor

Trey Taylor Bio

Trey Taylor is an American professional football safety who currently plays for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League. Born on January 30, 2001, in Frisco, Texas, Taylor emerged as one of the premier defensive backs in college football during his time at the United States Air Force Academy. His exceptional playmaking ability and leadership earned him the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award in 2023, recognizing him as the nation’s top defensive back. Taylor’s journey from a multi-sport athlete at Lone Star High School to an NFL draft pick demonstrates his dedication and versatility in the sport.

Early Life and Background

Trey Taylor grew up in Frisco, Texas, where he attended Lone Star High School. During his high school years, Taylor excelled in multiple sports, lettering in both football and track and field. His athletic versatility and competitive drive laid the foundation for his future success on the football field. Taylor’s performance at Lone Star High School attracted attention from college programs across the country.

After graduating from Lone Star High School, Taylor made the decision to continue his academic and athletic career at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He committed to play college football for the Air Force Falcons, choosing a path that combined his passion for football with his commitment to military service. This decision would shape his trajectory as both a student-athlete and future military officer.

Path to American Football

Upon arriving at the United States Air Force Academy, Taylor faced the dual challenge of adjusting to both collegiate-level football and the rigorous demands of military academy life. The transition to Division I football required significant physical and mental preparation. During his first two seasons with the Falcons in 2019 and 2020, Taylor did not appear in any games, using that time to develop his skills and understand the college-level game.

The 2021 season marked Taylor’s emergence as a key contributor for the Air Force defense. He recorded 62 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack, five pass deflections, one interception, and one forced fumble. This breakout season established him as a player to watch in the Mountain West Conference. By 2022, Taylor had become a defensive leader, accumulating 69 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, four pass deflections, and two interceptions while earning second-team All-Mountain West honors.

Trey Taylor Career

College Career (2019–2023)

The 2023 season represented the pinnacle of Taylor’s collegiate career. He delivered consistently outstanding performances throughout the year, including a standout game against Wyoming in week seven where he recorded ten tackles with one tackle for loss. For that performance, Taylor was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week. He continued his high level of play, recording another ten-tackle performance against Colorado State in week nine.

Taylor’s exceptional season culminated in him being named a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top defensive back. On December 8, 2023, Taylor was announced as the recipient of the Jim Thorpe Award, solidifying his status as the top safety in college football. He also earned first-team All-American and first-team All-Mountain West honors for his 2023 campaign. In late January 2024, Taylor received the Pat Tillman Award, presented annually by the organizers of the East-West Shrine Bowl to recognize character and community service.

Las Vegas Raiders Era (2024–Present)

Taylor was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the seventh round with the 223rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This selection marked the beginning of his professional football career, as he transitioned from the collegiate ranks to the NFL. Taylor was drafted by the Raiders despite not being invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, a testament to his film study and performance at Air Force.

Upon joining the Raiders, Taylor was placed on injured reserve on August 27, 2024, to begin the season. He was activated from injured reserve on October 12, 2024, making his return to the field. Throughout his rookie season, Taylor worked to adapt to the speed and complexity of professional football while contributing on special teams and in the defensive secondary.

In August 2025, the Raiders made roster adjustments as part of their final cuts, waiving Taylor on August 26. He was re-signed to the practice squad the following day. Taylor was subsequently waived from the practice squad on September 1, 2025, as the team continued to shape its roster for the remainder of the season.

Playing Style and Strengths

Trey Taylor is known for his physicality and football intelligence as a safety. His background at Air Force emphasized discipline and teamwork, traits that translate well to the NFL game. Taylor’s ability to read plays and react quickly allows him to contribute in both run defense and pass coverage. His tackling ability and willingness to support the line of scrimmage make him a versatile option in the defensive backfield.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

Taylor’s most significant career milestone remains winning the Jim Thorpe Award in 2023, recognizing him as the nation’s top defensive back. This achievement placed him among the elite defensive backs in college football history. His selection as a first-team All-American in 2023 further underscored his status as a premier player at his position. The Pat Tillman Award in early 2024 highlighted his character and commitment to community, values emphasized throughout his time at the Air Force Academy.

Trey Taylor Career Wins and Honors

Throughout his football career, Taylor has accumulated numerous individual honors and achievements at both the collegiate and high school levels. His accomplishments reflect consistent high-level performance and recognition from coaches, selectors, and award committees.

College Football Highlights

Taylor’s collegiate career was highlighted by his 2023 Jim Thorpe Award win, the highest honor for a defensive back in college football. He was also named a first-team All-American and first-team All-Mountain West Conference selection in 2023. His strong 2022 season earned him second-team All-Mountain West honors. These accolades represent the culmination of his development as a player during five seasons with the Air Force Falcons.

Other Honors and Recognition

Beyond his major awards, Taylor’s career includes being named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week during the 2023 season. He also received the Pat Tillman Award in January 2024, recognizing his character and service beyond the football field. These honors demonstrate his impact both as a player and as a representative of the Air Force Academy.

Trey Taylor Family

Family Background

Trey Taylor comes from a family with deep roots in professional football. He is the cousin of Ed Reed, who is a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and widely regarded as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history. This family connection to the sport provided Taylor with a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of football. Reed’s legendary career as a ball-hawking safety with the Baltimore Ravens set a standard that Taylor has aspired to throughout his own journey.

Personal Life

Beyond football, Taylor has demonstrated a commitment to service through his education at the United States Air Force Academy. His decision to attend a service academy reflects personal values centered on discipline, leadership, and national service. Taylor’s path through the academy required balancing athletic demands with military training and academic requirements, demonstrating his ability to excel in multiple rigorous environments.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season has been a period of transition and development for Taylor with the Las Vegas Raiders. Following his rookie season, which included time on injured reserve, Taylor has continued working to establish himself within the Raiders organization. The roster adjustments during the 2025 preseason, including his brief time on the practice squad, reflect the competitive nature of the NFL and the ongoing evaluation process for young players.

Taylor’s career trajectory demonstrates the perseverance required to succeed in professional football. After not being invited to the NFL Combine, he heard his name called in the seventh round of the 2024 Draft. His journey from undrafted prospect to NFL player highlights his determination and ability to overcome setbacks. As he continues to develop at the professional level, Taylor remains focused on contributing to the Raiders defense and special teams units.

Looking ahead, Taylor aims to build upon his foundation of success and establish himself as a reliable contributor in the NFL. His experience at Air Force, combined with his natural abilities as a safety, provides him with the tools necessary to compete at the sport’s highest level. The challenges he has faced early in his professional career have only strengthened his resolve to achieve sustained success in the league.