Interview: New England Patriots RB Fred Taylor

by MaPatsFan on Apr 16, 2009 5:25 PM EDT in New England Patriots News

Fred Taylor at Reebok AFL 50th Anniversary "throwback" jersey photo shoot.

As a writer for a sports blog, weird things cross my inbox on a fairly regular basis. From folks catching the many mistakes I make and not wanting to embarrass me by posting a comment (Thanks!!) to complaints about a poster run amuck and using those swear words to...you get the picture. I have to say, the email that eventually turned into an interview with the Patriots' newest running back, Fred Taylor, ranks as one of the coolest I've had so far.

As you may know, this is the 50th Anniversary of the AFL. Playing their first season in 1960, the AFL and its eight teams later merged with the NFL in 1970. This year, the eight original AFL teams (Boston Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Houston Oilers, New York Titans/Jets, Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers, and Oakland Raiders) will be wearing "throwback" jerseys. To celebrate the anniversary during the regular season, each of the 'original eight' AFL teams will take part in two Legacy Weekends, during which each will play another original eight team, with both teams in AFL throwback uniforms.

So, what does this have to do with interviewing Fred Taylor? Hold on, I'm getting there. Fred, along with players from other AFL teams, is working with Reebok on the launch of their 50th Anniversary throwback apparel. When a PR rep for Reebok emailed me and asked if I'd like to interview Fred, I nearly fell out of my chair. Apparently one of the rep's co-workers is a New York transplant originally from Boston and reads our blog. Connection made.

Before I get to the interview, I wanted to thank the folks from Reebok for connecting me with Fred and I want to especially thank Fred for taking the time to talk with me and answer my questions. He's a super nice man and is really pumped to be in New England. So, without further delay, I give you Fred Taylor.

Audio Download: Fred Taylor Interview

Slideshow: Fred Taylor photo shoot

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Comments

Wow

Outstanding work, MaPatsFan. Listening now.

by Joel Thorman on Apr 16, 2009 5:32 PM EDT reply actions

I finally have a moment to sit and listen to the audio and ...

where did it go???

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Apr 16, 2009 7:58 PM EDT reply actions

If your using IE7, it's a bit wonky; the embedded audio player may not work

Tools, Internet Options, Programs, Manage add-ons. Find AUDIO_MP3, highlight and click enable. Shutdown and restart IE7 – should be good to go. Or, use the direct link which will download the full MP3: http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/101227/fred-taylor-interview.mp3

Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit

by MaPatsFan on Apr 16, 2009 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Firefox and Google Chrome work fine, btw

Stupid IE7…

Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit

by MaPatsFan on Apr 16, 2009 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Awesome!

I was extremely excited to find out you were gonna be interviewing Fred Taylor. The interview came out really well. In fact, I might have to cop myself a Taylor jersey after this.

Major props to the PR rep from Reebok and his co-worker for hooking that up, and of course to MaPatsFan for doing an excellent job. And Fred Taylor, too! Can’t wait to see him running wild against opposing defenses!

by NESilver on Apr 17, 2009 12:25 AM EDT reply actions

Cool

Taylor sounds like a great guy, ready to do whatever he’s asked to do for the team.

by hythlodaeus on Apr 17, 2009 2:35 AM EDT reply actions

Ah it's nice to see Fred finally dawning his college 21.

He never got to wear it in the NFL until now and it looks superfine, especially on the Pats throwback.

Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Fred Taylor. Sounds about right.

by JvilleJag2 on Apr 17, 2009 2:45 AM EDT reply actions

Agreed!

Antwain Spann wears #28 on the Pats and he was ready to hand it over to Fred, but Fred did the cool thing and switched back to his college #21. The NE fans I’ve talked to gave him major props for doing that and to Antwain as well for his willingness to offer up 28. Good way to start your new gig!!

Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit

by MaPatsFan on Apr 17, 2009 7:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Terrific interview

and Taylor’s right, it is like Christmas with everything looking pretty well wrapped up before the season starts, and after we draft a few high quality ‘presents’ of course too. The jerseys look pretty cool too. I’m glad they went with the red version because that’s the one I’m getting my son. Coincidentally, he’s always been a huge Jaguars – and Fred Taylor – fan as well as a Pats fan, so getting a Fred Taylor jersey in Patriots colors is the best of both worlds.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Apr 17, 2009 7:31 AM EDT reply actions