TE Mason Taylor, Jets’ Second-Round Draft Pick, Was 6 in 2010: ‘It Was a Blast’
In 2010, Hall of Fame pass rusher Jason Taylor spent a memorable year with the New York Jets, with his family thriving in the city that never sleeps. Living in Manhattan, it was a year of fun and adventure for Taylor’s family, including 6-year-old Mason Taylor, who was recently selected by the Jets as their second-round pick, No. 42 overall, in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“We lived there for a year, really just me, my brother, and my sister running around, and my mom at Central Park tackling each other,” Mason recalled. “We went to the park maybe every single day to keep us entertained as kids. Running around there and running around New York – it was fun, it was a blast. It’s definitely crazy and eye-opening knowing that I’ll be there now, older [21 on May 8]. It’s just an amazing experience, and I’m just so excited for this.”
Jason Taylor, currently the defensive ends coach for the Miami Hurricanes, shared a special moment when Mason received the call from the Jets. The excitement was palpable as Jason and about 100-150 others gathered to witness the milestone.
“First of all, it’s crazy,” Jason said during the “Jets Overtime Draft Special.” “It’s a dream come true for my son to play in the NFL and walk in the shoes that I was so blessed to walk in, and then to go to a franchise that I played for, in the greatest city on the planet. There’s so much going through me right now, but it’s real. It’s really everyone having a good time, and I’m just trying to wrap my head around it and figure out what just happened.”
Jason, 50, joined the Jets after 13 seasons in the NFL (12 with the Dolphins, 1 with Washington). During his time with the Jets, he was part of a team that made it to the AFC Championship game, marking an exciting season under HC Rex Ryan and QB Mark Sanchez. Taylor contributed 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles (both recovered), 36 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 7 quarterback hits, and a safety during the regular season.
“We’re here with friends, families, and former teammates from high school, college,” Jason said. “He’s got some LSU guys. His tight end coach from LSU came down. We’re hanging out, and waiting for the pick was stressful. I’ve been crying since about four o’clock this afternoon, but it’s all good here.”
The football lineage between Jason and Mason is undeniable. Head Coach Aaron Glenn spoke about the importance of bloodlines in football, especially in the case of a father and son like Jason and Mason.
“Listen, I just trust that Jason, in his DNA, put what he has into his son, and it shows up on tape,” Glenn said. “God makes everybody different. If you have a brother or a father, whatever, that played, it’s tough not to understand and be around it for the most part.”
Jason, known for his ferocious defense with the Dolphins, was a three-time AP first-team All-Pro and won the AP Player of the Year Award in 2006. He also holds the NFL record for most fumbles returned for a touchdown (6).
Years later, Jason fondly recalls the year his family spent in New York City.
“There’s nothing like it,” he said. “That year we spent in New York was amazing. The late nights, getting out of the apartment on Broadway and walking to Magnolia Bakery – we went there so much. I was so fat. Some of those pictures I forget, but there were so many places to eat, and at all hours of the night.
“We’d walk to Central Park during the day, spend time together in a completely different environment than what we had in Miami. Those memories are forever. My kids were coming to the age where they understood what was going on, what we were doing. They were taking in the fanfare and excitement of the city and the Jets during that time when we were winning and going to the AFC Championship game. It was a special time. They still talk about it. My son Isaiah and Mason always talk about those walks. I’d get them up at 9 or 10 p.m., and we’d walk to Magnolia Bakery. We’d buy cupcakes and share them with some of the homeless people on the streets. It was a lesson and a treat at the same time.”
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