Alontae Taylor

Alontae Taylor's Biography

Born on December 3, 1998, Alontae Devaun Taylor is a celebrated American football cornerback who plays professionally for the National Football League’s (NFL) New Orleans Saints. His journey to professional football began in his childhood and has been marked with determination, passion, and a drive for excellence.

Taylor’s love for football was fueled during his high school years at Coffee County Central High School in Manchester, Tennessee. Impressing his peers with his remarkable skills and athleticism, Taylor took the role of a quarterback, a position that saw him tally 8,225 yards of total offense and chalk up a significant 75 touchdowns. Taylor’s hard work and impressive performance were eventually recognized, with his selection to play in the esteemed 2018 Under Armour All-American Game.

Taylor’s high school success eventually paved the way for his college career. He committed to the University of Tennessee and began his college football journey under renowned head coaches Jeremy Pruitt and Josh Heupel, playing from 2018 to 2021. Taylor initially took to the field as a wide receiver, but before his freshman year, he transitioned to a cornerback, a strategic move that would prove pivotal in his football career.

The talented cornerback wasted no time making a mark after his positional switch. He solidified his spot as a starter during his freshman year and then continued to display consistent performances throughout his college tenure. Taylor started 31 out of his total 45 career games, amassing 162 tackles, four interceptions, one pick-six, and a fumble recovery that he agilely converted into a touchdown. However, to better prepare himself for the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft, Taylor decided to forgo playing in the 2021 Music City Bowl.

His decision paid off as he was drafted 49th overall in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. Although his professional career started on a low note as he was placed on injured reserve on September 24, 2022, Taylor soon bounced back and was activated on October 20. Throughout his rookie season, Taylor showcased his talent in 13 where he managed 46 total tackles and 11 passes defended, starting nine of those games.

The highlight of Taylor’s rookie season came in Week 17 of the 2023 season, where he intercepted a pass from Baker Mayfield, intended for Trey Palmer, marking his first career interception. Through the course of the season, Taylor participated in all 17 games, starting 13 of them. His defensive prowess allowed him to record one sack, 75 total tackles (56 solo), two interceptions, 14 passes defended, and one forced fumble.

The start of the 2024 season brought another feather in Taylor’s cap. In a match against the Carolina Panthers, Taylor recorded three sacks against Bryce Young. This feat etched Taylor’s name in history, setting the New Orleans Saints record and tying the NFL record for most sacks in a game by a defensive back.

In summary, Alontae Devaun Taylor, from his high school quarterback days to being an integral part of the New Orleans Saints, has proven to be a formidable player. With his robust performances and records, he continues to carve out an impressive path in the NFL, demonstrating a promising future in American professional football.