Jonathan Taylor is a professional American football running back for the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL. Known for his exceptional speed, power, and consistency, Taylor has quickly become one of the league’s premier rushers. With multiple Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors, and record-breaking performances in both college and professional football, Taylor has firmly established himself as a top-tier running back.
Quick Facts of Jonathan Taylor
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonathan Taylor |
| Date of Birth | January 19, 1999 |
| Age (2025) | 26 years |
| Place of Birth | Salem, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 226 lb (103 kg) |
| High School | Salem High School |
| College | University of Wisconsin–Madison (2017–2019) |
| NFL Draft | 2020, 2nd round, 41st overall by Indianapolis Colts |
| Position | Running back |
| Current Team | Indianapolis Colts (2020–present) |
| Pro Bowl Selections | 2021, 2024 |
| All-Pro Honors | First-team All-Pro (2021) |
| Major Awards | Bert Bell Award (2021), 2× Doak Walker Award (2018, 2019) |
| Career NFL Stats (as of Week 7, 2025) | 6,710 rushing yards, 61 rushing TDs, 164 receptions, 1,276 receiving yards, 6 receiving TDs |
Early Life
Jonathan Taylor was born in Salem, New Jersey, to Elizabeth Taylor and Jonathan James. His father was a collegiate basketball player, giving Taylor a strong athletic background. At Salem High School, Taylor set a New Jersey state rushing record with 2,815 yards in his senior season, earning him the Jim Henry Award for the top high school player in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
Taylor also excelled in track and field, winning two state titles in the 100-meter dash with a best time of 10.49 seconds. Originally committed to Rutgers, he later switched to Wisconsin, where he became one of the most dominant running backs in NCAA history.
College Career
Taylor played three seasons for the Wisconsin Badgers, finishing his college career with 6,174 rushing yards, making him one of the top rushers in FBS history. Highlights include:
- Freshman Season (2017): 1,977 rushing yards, 13 TDs, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and sixth in Heisman voting.
- Sophomore Season (2018): Led FBS in rushing yards (2,194) and touchdowns (16), earned Doak Walker Award and unanimous All-American honors.
- Junior Season (2019): 2,003 rushing yards, 21 TDs, 2× Doak Walker Award winner, and broke FBS records for career 200-yard games and rushing yards through junior season.
Taylor declared for the NFL Draft after his junior season, skipping his senior year.
NFL Career
Indianapolis Colts (2020–present)
- 2020: Became starter after Marlon Mack’s injury; finished with 1,169 rushing yards and 11 TDs; named PFWA All-Rookie Team.
- 2021: Breakout season with 1,811 rushing yards, 18 rushing TDs, leading the league in both categories; First-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler; won the Bert Bell Award.
- 2022: Injured ankle, played 11 games; 861 rushing yards, 4 TDs.
- 2023: Signed a three-year, $42 million extension; finished season with 741 rushing yards and 7 TDs in 10 games.
- 2024: Finished with 1,431 rushing yards, 11 rushing TDs, and Pro Bowl selection.
- 2025: Strong start to the season, with back-to-back 100+ yard rushing games and multiple AFC Offensive Player of the Week awards.
Taylor has consistently been a key offensive weapon for the Colts, known for his combination of speed, vision, and power running.
Accolades and Records
- 2× unanimous 1st-team All-American (2018, 2019)
- 2× Doak Walker Award winner (2018, 2019)
- Most career 200-yard rushing games in NCAA: 12
- Big Ten Running Back of the Year: 2018, 2019
- NFL Rushing Yards Leader: 2021
- NFL Rushing TD Leader: 2021
- Bert Bell Award: 2021
Personal Life
Taylor maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on football and family. He has earned a reputation as a hard-working, disciplined player who is committed to excellence both on and off the field.
Jonathan Taylor continues to be a cornerstone of the Indianapolis Colts offense. With his record-breaking college career and consistent NFL production, Taylor is widely regarded as one of the top running backs of his generation.
