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Taylor Mays
Taylor Mays
Taylor Mays
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Taylor Mays (born February 7, 1988) is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He won Washington state titles in track in both the 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash as a high school sophomore, before leaving track and field to dedicate himself to football. He played college football for the USC Trojans, and was a three-time first-team All-American.[1] He was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft and also played in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders, playing in 66 regular season NFL games.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Mays was born in Seattle, Washington, the son of Stafford Mays, a former NFL defensive tackle, and Laurie Mays (née Black), a Nordstrom executive. He is African-American and Jewish[2] and was raised in his mother's Jewish religion.[3] Growing up he attended Sunday school from a young age, and then Hebrew school twice a week.[4] He had a football-themed bar mitzvah in February 2001.[4] Speaking of his bar mitzvah, he said: "I don't think at the time I really understood what it meant. Now, looking back on it, I feel like I have come a long way in regards to maturity and becoming an adult. I think it helped me do that".[5] Growing up, he "celebrated Chanukah, Passover, and Yom Kippur always".[4]

His father played defensive tackle for the University of Washington in the late 1970s, and was later drafted in the ninth round of the 1980 NFL draft by the then-St. Louis Cardinals and later played for the Minnesota Vikings from 1987 to 1988. His mother worked as an executive vice president at Nordstrom, and his father, Stafford, worked as a Microsoft executive.[4]

From a young age, Mays always had a deep desire to play football; his father recalls Mays, at age 14, doing homework with his football helmet on.[6] Mays also spent a lot of time as a kid watching old football tapes from when his father played. While his parents initially didn't allow him to play football, he played soccer and was noted as being very physical and much bigger than the other kids which led to his parents eventually letting him try out for the football team in the 7th grade.[7]

High school career

[edit]

Mays attended O'Dea High School, a Catholic boys high school located in Seattle, Washington's First Hill neighborhood in the 98104 zip code. Before playing football, Mays joined the track & field team to work on his speed.[6] As a sophomore at O'Dea in 2004, Mays won both the 100-meter dash (10.54 s) and 200-meter dash (21.64 s) titles in the 3A State championships in the spring of 2004 before leaving track behind after his junior year to dedicate his last year in high school to prepare for football at the next level.[8]

As a junior in 2004, he posted 124 tackles, 5 interceptions and 75 deflections, catching 25 passes for 700 yards (640 m) with 23 touchdowns and returning 12 punts for 392 yards (358 m) with 10 touchdowns while earning Student Sports Junior All-American honors as a safety, wide receiver and quarterback. His final year at O'Dea, he collected 166 tackles, 5 interceptions and 5 pass deflections as a safety while catching 36 passes for 765 yards (700 m) and 15 touchdowns. As a senior in 2005, he was named All-State First team and All-Metro League Mountain Division Offensive MVP and Defensive Co-MVP. He also returned 12 punts for 392 yards (358 m) and 3 touchdowns. Mays played for the West Team in the 2006 U.S. Army All-American Bowl game alongside future USC teammates Mitch Mustain and Stafon Johnson. He posted three tackles in the game.

On May 21, 2005, Mays participated in the 2005 Palo Alto Nike, Inc. Training Camp. Listed at 6'3", 218-pounds, Mays ran a 4.59 in the 40 yard dash, recorded 21 reps of 185 pounds on bench press and posted a 31" vertical jump. By age 17, Mays was 6' 3", 228-pounds.[9]

Recruiting

[edit]

Rivals.com listed Mays as the No. 1 overall prospect in the state of Washington in 2006. While considering offers from USC, Washington and Miami, Mays elected to commit to the University of Southern California after being recruited by defensive back coaches Rocky Seto and Greg Burns. Mays was expected to attend Washington in the footsteps of his father, but didn't want to fall under his father's shadow and decided to build his own legacy while citing Pete Carroll's enthusiasm and coaching style as a major factor in his decision, officially committing on August 14, 2005.

College career

[edit]

Mays received an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Southern California, where he played for head coach Pete Carroll's USC Trojans football team from 2006 to 2009.

2006 season

[edit]

Mays got the start at free safety his freshman year after Josh Pinkard went down with a season ending injury in their first game against Arkansas. His first college career interception came in week 5 against Washington State. Throughout the year he was a solid safety recording 62 tackles in only 12 starts and an ended the year leading his team in interceptions with 3. In 2006, Mays became the third player in Trojan history to be named the Pac-10's Co-Freshman of The Year while also earning Second team All-American, 1st team Freshman All-American and Defensive Freshman of the Year honors from Sporting News magazine.[10]

Mays surprised a lot of people throughout the nation when it was stated by Pete Carroll that the 6' 3", 230-pound freshman was the fastest player on a top-tier team built with some of the speediest players in the nation.[11] Teammate running back Joe McKnight stated: "He's faster than me. I wish I had it, whatever he has." According to Carroll, Mays was clocked at an astonishing 4.25 in the 40-yard (37 m) dash, .01 seconds slower than the record set at the 2008 NFL Combine by Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson. Mays also said that he models his game after former USC safety and Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott and the late Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor: "He's been my favorite player. I look up to (former USC safety) Ronnie Lott, too. That's what's special being in this program, living up to the safeties here."[8]

Mays switched from No. 29 to No. 2 after his freshman season for former Florida State player Deion Sanders and former Michigan player Charles Woodson who both wore the number while playing defensive back in college.[12]

2007 season

[edit]
Mays before 2007 Notre Dame game.

After Josh Pinkard was re-positioned to cornerback, Mays returned as the team's starting safety alongside All-Pac-10 strong safety Kevin Ellison, whom he credits as his mentor.[13] His most impressive game of the season came during week 10 against California, where he posted 10 tackles and deflected 3 passes which helped hold one of the best offenses in the nation 14 points below its average in the 24–17 win. He also had a career-high 12 tackles in week 8 against the Oregon.

Mays finished third on the team with 65 total tackles, 6 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception in 13 games in 2007. He earned Third-team All-American honors from the Associated Press, First-team All-American honors from Sporting News, and All-Pac-10 honorable mention.

After the 2007 season, Mays was listed by ESPN The Magazine in an article titled "Workout Warriors", honoring college football's most physically talented players. According to the article, in the USC spring practices in 2008, Mays posted unbelievable numbers: Measured at 6' 3", 226-pounds with 6% body fat, Mays ran an electronically timed 4.32 40-yard dash, threw up 225-pounds 23 times during the bench press, and recorded a 41" vertical jump and an 11' 4" standing broad jump. When he arrived at USC, Mays weighed 215-pounds, posted a 35" vertical and 10' standing broad jump. Mays was listed at the No. 2 spot behind Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo.[14]

2008 season

[edit]
Taylor Mays

Before the start of the 2008 season, Mays was honored with a 2008 Preseason All-American selection and was on the early watch list for both the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to the best defensive player in the nation, and the Lott Trophy. Mays stated in a Los Angeles Times interview on November 10 that he would decide whether or not to forfeit his senior year at USC to enter the 2009 NFL draft after the 2008 post season, saying that a big factor in his decision would come from his father and head coach Pete Carroll.[15] Mays entered 2008 as one of the top safety prospects in the nation.

The USC defense turned in the second-best defense in the nation, and some argued one of the best college has ever seen. Through the air, the USC defense held opposing offenses to only 6 touchdowns while collecting 19 interceptions as the best pass defense in the nation, with Mays being a key factor in their success.[16] Though he didn't register an interception throughout his junior season, Mays had a team-leading 8 pass deflections with four of them coming in a week 9 matchup against California which averaged almost 40 points per game to that point. Mays had a spectacular performance in the game, delivering several big hits which jarred balls loose from the receivers' hands. What would have been Mays' first interception of the season was called back on a penalty by Kaluka Maiava.[17] Through regular season play, Mays collected 53 total tackles and 8 pass deflections. The Trojans would go on to face Penn State in the 2009 Rose Bowl, where the defense shut down one of the most explosive offenses in the country in the 38–24 win. A memorable play in the game by Mays was a devastating helmet-to-helmet hit on wide receiver Jordan Norwood which momentarily knocked Norwood out of the game and incidentally his teammate Kevin Thomas as well.

Mays signs autographs for school children after a USC practice in fall 2008.

Mays ended his junior season as a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award after being beaten out by Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins. He finished 3rd in the running, coming in behind Jenkins and Tennessee safety Eric Berry. He earned First-Team All-American honors from several sources such as Sporting News, Walter Camp Football, and the Associated Press as well as Second-Team All-American honors by Rivals.com and All-Pac-10 First-Team honors.

On January 13, two days before the deadline for college players to declare for the Draft, Mays announced that he would return to USC for his last year. Mays was regarded as unanimous first-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft but opted to return to continue to develop and to complete his education at Southern California, citing the importance of graduating to himself and his parents as well as giving his last shot at leading USC to the BCS National Championship.[18][19]

2009 season

[edit]

In a Lindy's Football article, Mays stated that he wanted to play a different role in the defensive secondary that would call him to be more involved in the action. "I want to be closer to the action. People who know football know what my role on the defense is, but I'd like to be more involved this season", Mays said. The usual duties of a free safety in Pete Carroll's defense calls for him to be a center fielder preventing plays being made deep downfield, keeping him from doing much else in the box. Carroll said he agreed to tweak Mays' duties for the 2009 season, Mays' last at USC. In his last season with the Trojans, one ending with the roughest record (8–4) of his 4-year tenure at USC, he tallied a career-high 96 total tackles for the season while adding another interception to his career total.[20]

In October, he was named a midseason All-American by The Sporting News.[21] The withdrawal of several key players from last year's Trojans team was heavily felt on the defensive side of the ball, with Mays and the secondary surrendering 211.5 passing yards per game, 126 more yards than the defense surrendered in 2008.[22] The lack of playmaking and leadership-by-performance from Mays has led experts to quote his stock for the upcoming NFL draft as one that is heavily slipping, though his pre-draft workouts are expected to impress NFL managers the league over.[23] Mays was named First-team All-Pac 10 for the second year in a row and was named First-team All-America for the third consecutive season.

College statistics

[edit]
Season Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Solo Ast Comb TFL Sk Int Yards Avg TD PD FF FR Yards TD
USC Trojans
2006 13 12 38 24 62 0 0.0 3 40 13.3 0 6 0 0 0 0
2007 13 13 36 29 65 0 0.0 1 0 0.0 0 7 1 1 0 0
2008 13 13 38 15 53 2 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 9 0 0 0 0
2009 12 12 48 48 96 0 0.0 1 0 0.0 0 4 0 0 0 0
Career[24] 51 50 160 116 276 2 0.0 5 40 8.0 0 26 1 1 0 0

Professional career

[edit]

Pre-draft

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Prior to his first season, Mays was considered one of the top talents for the 2010 NFL draft and frequently drew comparisons to Adrian Wilson for his size and Sean Taylor for his hitting ability, .[25][26][27][28][29][30] Mays participated in the 2010 Senior Bowl, but played sparingly, making his interception of Cincinnati quarterback Tony Pike in the second quarter being his only highlight.[31] According to Sports Illustrated's Tony Pauline, Mays "looked stiff and mechanical with his defensive back fundamentals and really showed limited skills in pass coverage drills", and was therefore projected to outside linebacker by some teams.[32] However, during an interview with Steve Wyche of NFL Network, Mays said that the NFL teams he was interviewed by during the 2010 NFL Combine processes never mentioned him switching positions, but that he would be willing do so if need be.[33] As a top safety prospect he received an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds, the fastest time among safeties. Although it could have been considerably faster, as he clocked an unofficial time of 4.24 seconds.[34] He attended the combine and completed the majority of drills, but opted to skip the three-cone drill and short shuttle. On March 31, 2010, Mays participated at USC's pro day, but only ran positional drills for team representatives and scouts in attendance. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Mays was projected to be a second round pick by the majority of NFL draft experts and scouts. He fell from his top ten and first round grade the previous year, due to concerns over his coverage ability and lack of perceived drive to work on his weaknesses.[35] He was ranked the second best free safety prospect available by NFLDraftScout.com.[36]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press Wonderlic
6 ft 3+1⁄8 in
(1.91 m)		 230 lb
(104 kg)		 34 in
(0.86 m)		 10+1⁄4 in
(0.26 m)		 4.43 s 1.56 s 2.58 s 4.24 s 6.98 s 41.0 in
(1.04 m)		 10 ft 5 in
(3.18 m)		 24 reps 22
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[37][38]

San Francisco 49ers

[edit]

The San Francisco 49ers selected Mays in the second round (49th overall) of the 2010 NFL draft.[39] Mays was the fifth safety drafted in 2010, behind Eric Berry, Earl Thomas, Nate Allen, and T. J. Ward.[40] In an interview with the Sacramento Bee′s Matt Barrows following the draft, Mays suggested that Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll led him to believe that the Seahawks would select him with the 14th overall pick, which they instead used to pick another safety, Texas' Earl Thomas. "I understand it's a business. But with it being a business, he needs to be honest. And that's all I was asking for", Mays said.[41][42]

In a post-draft interview, San Francisco 49ers executive Trent Baalke insisted that, despite the addition of Mays, then-current veteran strong safety Michael Lewis would be the starter for the 2010 season.[43] On July 30, 2010, Mays signed a four-year contract with the 49ers.

After spending the entirety of the first three games on special teams, coach Mike Singletary benched then-starting strong safety Lewis in favor of Reggie Smith and Mays who split time at the spot in the team's Week 4 match-up against the Atlanta Falcons. While garnering a team-high 11 tackles in the game, Mays' most outstanding play of the game was a special teams touchdown made off of a deflected punt. After the game, Mays was named the indefinite starter at strong safety alongside free safety.[44]

Cincinnati Bengals (first stint)

[edit]
Mays at Cincinnati Bengals training camp in 2013.

On August 22, 2011, Mays was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals for a seventh round pick in the 2013 NFL draft. His trade after being drafted in the second round a year prior was questioned and was due to Singletary's firing by Baalke. Mays was selected solely on Singletary's choice and the majority of the 49er's organization decided a safety wasn't a need at that time.[35]

In 2012, he played in all 16 games, starting 3 of them.[45]

In the 2013 season, he played 203 snaps.[46] After the 2013 season, the Bengals re-signed Mays to a one-year $755,000 deal, with a $40,000 signing bonus.[47]

On March 11, 2014, the Bengals re-signed Mays.[48] He played in all 16 games for the Bengals in 2014.[49]

Through the 2014 season, he started 10 of the 16 games he played, with 98 tackles on defense (71 solo) and 6 pass-breakups.[34][50] He had 21 tackles on special teams with the Bengals.[34] He primarily played on special teams, and was also used at both safety positions as well as at linebacker.[51]

Minnesota Vikings

[edit]

Mays signed with the Minnesota Vikings on March 24, 2015.[52] He was released on June 16.[53]

Detroit Lions

[edit]

The Detroit Lions signed Mays on June 22, 2015.[54] The team released him on August 21.[55]

Oakland Raiders

[edit]

On August 25, 2015, Mays signed with the Oakland Raiders. He was released on September 5 for final roster cuts.[56]

On September 14, 2015, Mays re-signed with the Raiders due to starting safeties, Nate Allen and Charles Woodson both sustaining injuries in the first regular season game.[57]

Cincinnati Bengals (second stint)

[edit]

On March 17, 2016, the Bengals signed Mays as a free agent to a one-year, $840,000 contract. Three days prior, the NFL suspended Mays for the first four games of the 2016 NFL season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.[58] On July 23, Mays was released by the Bengals after learning that he would be dealt an additional suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy again.[59][60]

Saskatchewan Roughriders

[edit]

On October 9, 2017, Mays was added to the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the West Division of the Canadian Football League (CFL), and he played one game for them the following month.[61][62] Mays was released in April 2018.[63]

Career statistics

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Comb Total Ast Sck SFTY PDef Int Yds Avg Lng TD FF FR
2010 SF 16 6 38 31 7 0.0 0 2 -- -- 0.0 -- -- 1 --
2011 CIN 10 0 10 7 3 9 -- 1 -- -- 0.0 -- -- 0 --
2012 CIN 16 3 22 14 8 0.0 -- 0 -- -- 0.0 -- -- 0 1
2013 CIN 8 1 19 12 7 0.0 -- 3 -- -- 0.0 -- -- 0 1
2014 CIN 16 0 9 7 2 1.0 1 0 -- -- 0.0 -- -- 0 --
2015 OAK 14 5 26 18 8 0.0 -- 5 -- -- 0.0 -- -- 0 --

Coaching career

[edit]

Following Mays' playing career he became a defensive analyst for USC in 2022.[64]

Mays was promoted to interim safeties coach in December 2023 when Donte Williams accepted the safeties coach position at Georgia. Mays' work with the USC secondary players was credited for their much improved tackling in the 2023 Holiday Bowl in San Diego.[65]

In January 2025, Mays was named the safeties coach at Washington.[66]

Honors

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On June 26, 2011, he was inducted into the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.[67]

In 2018, Mays was inducted into The O'Dea High School Athletic Wall of Honor.

Personal life

[edit]

The Mays family lives in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle.[10]

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Taylor Mays

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Taylor Mays (born February 7, 1988) is an American football coach and former professional safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) from 2010 to 2015 and briefly in the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2017. A native of Seattle, Washington, Mays starred at the University of Southern California (USC) from 2006 to 2009, earning three-time All-American honors as a defensive back known for his speed and physicality. Selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round (49th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft, he appeared in 80 games across six seasons with the 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Oakland Raiders, recording zero interceptions, one forced fumble, and one safety during his career. The son of former NFL defensive lineman Stafford Mays, who played at the University of Washington (UW) and in the league, Taylor Mays returned to his home state in January 2025 to join the UW Huskies as safeties coach after coaching at USC from 2022 to 2024 in defensive roles including analyst, assistant defensive backs coach, and interim safeties coach. At USC under head coach Pete Carroll, Mays was a standout recruit from O'Dea High School in Seattle, where he excelled in track and field alongside football, helping the Trojans to multiple Pac-10 championships. His college statistics included 276 tackles, five interceptions, and nine pass deflections over four seasons, contributing to USC's reputation for elite defensive talent during that era. In the NFL, Mays transitioned between special teams and defensive roles, starting 15 games primarily with the Bengals from 2011 to 2014, where he provided depth in the secondary. After his final professional playing season in 2017 with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the CFL, Mays pursued coaching opportunities, leveraging his experience as a high-profile athlete to mentor young defensive backs at the collegiate level. Mays' appointment at UW in 2025 was seen as a , given his local roots and family ties to the program, with expectations that his pedigree and USC-honed techniques would strengthen the Huskies' secondary in the competitive . Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 231 pounds during his playing days, Mays was renowned for his 4.43-second time at the Combine, which highlighted his rare combination of size and speed for the position.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Taylor Mays was born on February 7, 1988, in , Washington. He was raised in Seattle by his parents, father Stafford Mays, a former NFL defensive lineman who played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1980 to 1986 and the Minnesota Vikings from 1987 to 1988, and mother Laurie Mays (née Black), an executive at . Mays comes from a family of mixed heritage, with his mother being Jewish and his father African American. He was raised in the Jewish faith, attending from a young age and twice a week, and participating in traditions such as celebrating , , and . His bar mitzvah even featured a football theme, reflecting his early interests. From an early age, Mays developed a passion for football through his father's professional career, frequently watching 1970s and NFL game videos that Stafford kept at home and engaging in family discussions about defensive schemes while viewing together. This familial influence fostered his athletic pursuits, leading naturally to organized sports in high school.

High school career

Taylor Mays attended O'Dea High School, an all-boys Catholic school in Seattle, Washington, graduating in 2006. As a three-year varsity letterman, he excelled as a two-way player, contributing at both wide receiver and safety, which showcased his versatility and athletic prowess early in his development. In his senior year of 2005, Mays anchored the defense at safety, recording 166 tackles, five interceptions returned for 98 yards, and five pass deflections. Offensively, he caught 36 passes for 765 yards and 15 touchdowns, while also returning a punt 35 yards for a score, helping lead O'Dea to a strong season. His defensive dominance earned him first-team All-State honors, All-Metro League first team, KingCo League Defensive Player of the Year, and All-Metro League Defensive MVP. Nationally, Mays was recognized as a 2005 Parade All-American, where he was named the defensive back MVP, along with selections to the USA Today All-USA first team, EA Sports All-American first team, and Super Prep All-American first team. He also received the Gatorade Washington Football Player of the Year award for the 2005-2006 season. Mays' speed was evident in track and field, where he competed as a sophomore in 2004, winning Washington 3A state championships in the 100-meter dash (10.54 seconds) and 200-meter dash (21.8 seconds), in addition to contributing to the victorious 4x400-meter relay team. These performances highlighted his elite sprinting ability and drew national attention to his dual-sport talents. Overall, Mays was regarded as one of Washington's premier high school athletes, building on the athletic legacy of his father, former University of Washington defensive lineman Stafford Mays, who inspired his competitive drive.

College recruitment

Mays' standout athleticism at in , Washington, where he excelled as a multi-position player, positioned him as a prime target for college recruiters nationwide. His performances earned him national acclaim, including selection to the 2006 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, where he represented the West team alongside other elite prospects. Recruiting services recognized Mays as one of the premier defensive backs in the class, ranking him No. 8 nationally and No. 2 among safeties by , while composite rankings from placed him at No. 11 overall. He received scholarship offers from numerous elite programs, including USC, , , , , LSU, , and Washington. On August 15, 2005, Mays made an oral commitment to USC, citing the program's intense atmosphere and competitive environment as key factors after a second visit to campus. His decision was further solidified by a home visit from and his staff, drawn to USC's emphasis on developing defensive backs within its renowned secondary tradition.

College career

2006 season

As a highly touted recruit from in , Taylor Mays entered the as a true freshman in 2006 with significant expectations to contribute immediately to the Trojans' defense. Despite initial plans to redshirt, an injury to starting safety Josh Pinkard in the season opener against forced Mays into action early, where he played in all 13 games and earned a starting role at free safety beginning with the second game against . He also saw time on special teams, helping to bolster USC's depth during a transitional year for the program under head coach . Mays recorded 62 total tackles, including three interceptions that highlighted his ball skills as a newcomer adapting to the physicality and speed of . His performance ranked him fifth on the team in tackles and tied for second in passes defended, demonstrating quick adjustment to aggressive, coverage-oriented defensive scheme despite the challenges of reading complex route combinations at a higher tempo than high school. Notable contributions included a season-high 11 tackles against Oregon State and an interception in the rivalry game versus Notre Dame, where he helped secure a 38-3 victory. In the postseason, Mays played a supporting role in USC's 32-18 Rose Bowl victory over on January 1, 2007, registering four tackles as part of a defense that limited the Wolverines to 330 total yards and forced two turnovers. This appearance capped a 10-2 for the Trojans, with Mays' emergence as a reliable starter underscoring his rapid acclimation to Division I competition.

2007 season

In 2007, Mays solidified his role as a key contributor to the ' defense during his sophomore season, transitioning from a rotational player as a to a full-time starter at free safety. He started all 13 games, anchoring the secondary and helping the Trojans achieve an 11-2 record while winning the Pac-10 championship and earning a berth in the Rose Bowl. Mays recorded 65 tackles, ranking third on the team, along with 1 , 6 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. His interception came in a 24-3 victory over Stanford on October 6, where he also contributed 3 pass deflections, bolstering USC's effort in the second half. These efforts highlighted his growing impact in pass coverage and run support, contributing to the Trojans' No. 2 national ranking in scoring defense (16.0 allowed). For his performance, Mays earned first-team All-American honors from , second-team recognition from SI.com, and third-team honors from the . Despite USC's 38-24 loss to Penn State in the Rose Bowl, Mays' season marked his emergence as a defensive leader.

2008 season

In his junior season, Taylor Mays started all 13 games at free safety for the , contributing to a defense that ranked among the nation's elite. Building on his sophomore foundation, Mays emerged as a key leader in the secondary, recording 53 tackles, 9 pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery over the course of the year. Mays delivered standout performances in several high-profile matchups, including seven tackles in USC's 35–3 rout of then-No. 1 Ohio State on September 13, and six tackles in the 21-27 loss to Oregon State on September 27. His contributions helped anchor the Trojans' backfield during a dominant regular season, where USC went 12–1 and captured the Pac-10 title with a 7–2 conference mark. The team capped the year with a 38–24 victory over Penn State in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2009, in which Mays tallied four tackles, finishing the season with USC's first claim contention at No. 2 in the final . Mays' exceptional play earned him consensus first-team All-American honors from multiple outlets, including the Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America, Walter Camp Foundation, The Sporting News, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and others. He was also named first-team All-Pac-10 by the Associated Press and selected as the conference's Defensive Back of the Year by the Pac-10 coaches. Additionally, Mays was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back), Bronko Nagurski Trophy (best defender), and Chuck Bednarik Award (top defender), while being named USC's Defensive MVP by the coaches and the L.A. Daily News All-Area Defensive Player of the Year.

2009 season

Entering his senior season at USC, Taylor Mays served as one of four player-elected team captains, providing leadership to a Trojans defense navigating a transitional year under head coach . Mays started all 13 games, anchoring the secondary with his physical presence and speed, which had earned him All-American recognition in previous seasons and set high expectations for his final collegiate campaign. His prior accolades influenced the anticipation surrounding his role, as he aimed to solidify his status as a top prospect while guiding a young defense. Mays recorded 96 tackles (48 solo, 48 assisted) and one during the season, often playing closer to the to leverage his 6-foot-3, 230-pound frame for run support. The Trojans finished with a 9-4 record, including a 6-3 mark in Pac-10 play, highlighted by victories over rivals Notre Dame and UCLA. In key matchups, Mays contributed significantly, such as his 10 tackles in a 34-27 win over Notre Dame, where he helped limit the Fighting Irish's passing attack. A pivotal performance came in the Emerald Bowl against on December 26, , where Mays tallied five tackles in USC's 24-13 victory, securing the team's ninth win and capping a resilient season despite injuries and inconsistencies in the secondary. This bowl appearance underscored his reliability, as he closed out games with hard-hitting plays that exemplified his hybrid skills. With NFL aspirations in focus after returning for his senior year in January 2009, Mays emphasized his elite speed—highlighted by a 4.35-second time—and physicality throughout the season, using his tape to showcase versatility for pro scouts. He declared for the following the Emerald Bowl, positioning himself as a first-round candidate based on his athletic traits and intangibles, though the season's defensive struggles slightly tempered projections.

Statistics and accolades

Over his four-season collegiate career at the from 2006 to 2009, Taylor Mays played in 51 games, starting 38 of them, while accumulating 276 total tackles (160 solo, 116 assisted), 5 interceptions, 9 passes defended, and 1 forced fumble. These statistics highlight his versatility as a , with a career average of 5.4 tackles per game and notable ball production despite facing elite competition in the Pac-10 Conference. The following table summarizes Mays' yearly tackles and interceptions during his USC tenure:
YearTacklesInterceptions
2006623
2007651
2008530
2009961
Career2765
Mays received widespread recognition for his defensive prowess, earning second-team All-American honors as a freshman in 2006 before securing first-team All-American selections in each of the next three seasons (2007–2009). He was also honored as the Pac-10 Co-Freshman of the Year in 2006, named to the first-team All-Pac-10 in 2008 and 2009, and named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week in 2009. Additionally, in 2008, he garnered consensus All-America status, and he led the conference in total tackles (96) and assisted tackles (48) during his senior year. Beyond his raw numbers, Mays contributed on special teams early in his career, playing coverage units during his freshman season in 2006 to help USC's overall defensive efforts. He also emerged as a vocal leader within the Trojans' secondary, mentoring younger players and emphasizing team accountability, particularly as a senior captain figure in 2009.

Professional playing career

Pre-draft process

Following his senior season at USC, which solidified his status as one of the top safety prospects, Taylor Mays declared for the after initially considering entry after his junior year but opting to return for one more college season to improve his stock. Mays participated in the 2010 , where he intercepted a pass from Tony Pike during practices, showcasing his physical presence despite mixed reviews on his coverage footwork. At the , Mays measured 6 feet 3 inches tall and 230 pounds, then posted impressive athletic metrics including a 4.31-second , a 41-inch , and a 10-foot-5-inch broad jump, highlighting his elite speed and explosiveness for a player of his size. Scouting reports praised Mays for his rare combination of size, strength, and straight-line speed, describing him as an "athletic " capable of covering ground quickly and delivering hard hits, but critiqued his coverage instincts, noting tight hips, late reactions to passes, and a tendency to play conservatively rather than aggressively pursuing the ball. Mock draft projections for Mays varied widely leading into the , with some analysts slotting him in the mid-first round due to his physical tools while others placed him in the early second round, citing concerns over his football IQ and ball skills as reasons for the slide.

San Francisco 49ers

The selected Taylor Mays in the second round, 49th overall, of the . On July 30, 2010, he signed a four-year contract worth $4.06 million, which included a $1.508 million and $1.508 million in guarantees. Under head coach , Mays transitioned to the as a backup strong safety and special teams contributor during his 2010 season, leveraging his pre-draft athletic measurables like a 4.31-second time to provide physicality in the secondary. He appeared in all 16 games, starting six, and tallied 38 total tackles (31 solo), two passes defended, and one forced fumble, with most of his snaps coming on defense late in the season and on special teams throughout. In the 2011 preseason under new head coach , Mays remained focused on special teams duties while competing for a backup role amid a crowded secondary, appearing in three exhibition games with limited defensive involvement. On August 23, 2011—prior to the regular season—the 49ers traded Mays to the for a conditional seventh-round pick in the , ending his brief tenure with the team after one full season.

Cincinnati Bengals (first stint)

Mays joined the via trade from the on August 23, 2011, in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the . The move came after Mays, a second-round pick by the 49ers in 2010, showed promise as a physical in his rookie year but faced challenges adapting to the level. Under head coach , Mays transitioned to a depth role, primarily contributing on special teams during his initial tenure with the Bengals from 2011 to 2014. In the 2012 season, Mays appeared in all 16 games for the Bengals, starting three, and recorded 22 tackles (14 solo). His contributions were mostly on special teams, where he provided physicality and coverage, helping the unit during Cincinnati's 8-8 campaign that ended with a wild-card playoff loss to the Texans. Over the course of his first stint, Mays played in 50 games total, logging just four starts and 60 tackles (40 solo), while excelling in special teams duties that included 21 tackles across those years. Mays' role remained consistent in 2013 and 2014, with limited defensive snaps amid competition from established safeties like and George Iloka; he appeared in eight games with one start in 2013 (19 tackles) and all 16 games without a start in 2014 (nine tackles, including a sack and a from a blocked punt). The Bengals achieved playoff appearances in both seasons, finishing 11-5 in 2013 and 10-5-1 in 2014, though Mays' impact was confined to rotational and special teams play. Following the 2014 season, Mays became an unrestricted and departed , signing a one-year contract with the Vikings in March 2015.

Minnesota Vikings

Following his release from the in free agency, Mays signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings on March 24, 2015, reuniting him with head coach , who had coached him during his time in . The deal was valued at $795,000, with $25,000 guaranteed, and was aimed at bolstering the Vikings' secondary depth with Mays' physical attributes (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) and experience in coverage and run support. Mays participated in the Vikings' offseason workouts and minicamp but did not secure a roster spot for the regular season. He was released on June 16, 2015, during the team's preparations for training camp, ending his brief tenure without appearing in any games. The Vikings had viewed Mays primarily as a special teams contributor and versatile backup , roles consistent with his prior experience.

Detroit Lions

Mays signed with the on June 22, 2015, shortly after his release from the Minnesota Vikings, bringing veteran depth to the secondary. Under head coach Jim Caldwell, Mays participated in training camp and the preseason, appearing in the opener against the where he recorded one tackle while rotating at safety. He did not play in the second preseason game against Washington and requested his release the following day, which the Lions granted on August 21, 2015.

Oakland Raiders

Following his release from the Detroit Lions in late August 2015, Mays signed with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent on August 26, providing depth at safety and reuniting him with defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., who had coached him at USC. He was briefly released on September 5 but re-signed on September 15 amid injuries to the secondary, including to starting free safety Nate Allen. Mays appeared in 14 games with 5 starts, recording 26 combined tackles (18 solo) and 5 passes defended, serving in both defensive and special teams roles, where he focused on coverage units including punt protection. He was waived on October 10 but re-signed just 10 days later on October 20 after the team placed Justin Tuck on injured reserve. Throughout his time in Oakland, Mays served mainly as a reserve and special teams contributor under Jack Del Rio, with the Raiders finishing the season 7-9.

Cincinnati Bengals (second stint)

Mays rejoined the on April 15, 2016, for his second stint with the team following four seasons from 2011 to 2014, where his prior experience on special teams and familiarity with the defensive scheme made him a desirable reunion option. The Bengals signed him to a one-year reported at $840,000, intending to utilize his size and speed in coverage and kicking roles. However, Mays' return was derailed by ongoing issues with the NFL's policy. He entered the already suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season due to a prior violation announced in March 2016. Shortly after signing, he faced another infraction, leading to an additional four-game suspension and his release by the Bengals on July 23, 2016, just before . During this brief second tenure, Mays did not play in any regular-season games and recorded no snaps, as his release occurred prior to the preseason. This marked the conclusion of his career after 80 games across six seasons, paving the way for his transition to the Canadian Football League with the in 2017.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

After a career in the , Taylor Mays signed with the of the Canadian Football League on October 9, 2017, transitioning to play professionally outside the . Mays, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound with prior experience at , was viewed as a versatile addition capable of contributing in multiple roles, including as a hybrid safety/linebacker, to leverage his size and speed on the CFL's larger field and under its distinct rules such as 12-player rosters and motion allowances. His NFL background across several teams aided his adjustment to the league's international style of play. During the 2017 season, Mays appeared in one regular-season game for the Roughriders on November 4 against the Eskimos, recording two special teams tackles with no defensive tackles, interceptions, or sacks. The Roughriders finished 10-8 and qualified for the , but Mays did not feature in their Western Semi-Final loss to . Mays remained with the team into the 2018 offseason before being released on April 24, 2018, which marked the end of his professional playing career.

Career statistics

Mays appeared in 80 regular season games across six seasons with the , , and , accumulating 124 combined tackles, 0 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, one sack, one safety, and 11 passes defended. In the CFL, he played 1 game with the in 2017, recording 2 special teams tackles and 0 interceptions. Throughout his NFL career, Mays contributed significantly on special teams, primarily as a gunner on punt coverage units, tallying 21 special teams tackles during his tenure with the Bengals.

NFL Regular Season Statistics

SeasonTeamGames PlayedGames StartedCombined TacklesSolo TacklesAssisted TacklesSacksInterceptionsPasses DefendedForced FumblesFumble RecoveriesSafeties
2010SFO166383170.002100
2011CIN10010730.001000
2012CIN163221480.000010
2013CIN81191270.003010
2014CIN1609721.000001
OAK145261880.005000
Total801512489351.0011121
Source: Pro-Football-Reference.com

CFL Regular Season Statistics

SeasonTeamGames PlayedDefensive TacklesSpecial Teams TacklesInterceptions
20171020
Total1020
Source: CFL.ca

Coaching career

University of Southern California

Mays joined the (USC) coaching staff in 2022 as a defensive analyst under head coach , leveraging his experience as a standout for the Trojans from 2006 to 2009 to contribute to defensive strategy and preparation. In this off-field role, he focused on breakdown and scouting reports, aiding the team's defensive schemes during a transitional period in the program. Late in the 2023 season, Mays was promoted to interim safeties coach in December when departed for another opportunity, guiding the secondary through the Trojans' preparation for the Holiday Bowl. USC's defense secured a 42-28 over Louisville, finishing the year with a 9-4 overall record, as the secondary demonstrated improved coverage and tackling in key moments. Following NCAA rule changes in June 2024 that removed limits on on-field , allowing unlimited personnel to provide technical instruction during practices and games, Mays transitioned to a full assistant defensive backs coach role for the 2024 season. In this capacity, he emphasized player development, technique refinement, and in-game adjustments, contributing to the development of USC's secondary amid a 7-6 overall record and a 4-5 mark in Big Ten play.

University of Washington

Taylor Mays was hired as the safeties coach for the Huskies on January 16, 2025, by head coach . A Seattle native and former standout at , Mays returned to his hometown to take on the role, filling the vacancy left by . His prior coaching experience at USC positioned him for this opportunity, bringing a blend of playing pedigree and defensive expertise to the program. In his position, Mays is responsible for coaching the safeties and contributing to the secondary's development within the Huskies' defensive system, led by Ryan Walters under Fisch's oversight. He emphasizes a fast, physical playing style, implementing versatile roles that allow safeties to adapt across coverages and run support, drawing from his background as a three-time All-American . Mays has focused on building depth and technique, particularly in tackling and pursuit angles, to enhance the unit's overall effectiveness. During the 2025 offseason and spring practices, Mays played a key role in evaluating and developing the Huskies' roster, identifying emerging contributors like safeties C.J. Christian and Alex McLaughlin while integrating new transfers. His recruiting efforts contributed to securing four-star safety commit Gavin Day, bolstering the secondary's future talent pool. As of November 2025, with the Huskies at 7-3 after 10 games, Mays continues to support the secondary's adaptation to Walters' scheme during the team's second year in the Big Ten.

Honors and recognition

Collegiate honors

During his tenure at the University of Southern California (USC), Taylor Mays earned widespread recognition for his defensive prowess as a , culminating in three-time first-team All-American honors from to 2009. These accolades, bestowed by organizations including the , Football Foundation, and others, highlighted his consistent excellence in coverage, tackling, and overall impact on the Trojans' secondary. In , as a , Mays was named a first-team All-American after recording 65 tackles and one , contributing to USC's Pac-10 championship and Rose Bowl victory. His junior year in 2008 saw him repeat as a first-team All-American with 53 tackles and nine pass deflections, while in 2009, he earned the honor again despite a team decline, finishing with 96 tackles and one . Mays also secured two-time first-team All-Pac-10 selections in 2008 and 2009, underscoring his dominance within the conference. These honors reflected his role in USC's defensive schemes under coach , where he combined elite speed—clocked at 4.29 seconds in the —with instinctive playmaking that disrupted passing attacks. Additionally, as a in 2006, he was named second-team All-American and Pac-10 Co- of the Year after stepping into the and tallying 62 tackles and three interceptions. He also served as one of USC's player-elected team captains in 2009, exemplifying his influence in guiding younger players and maintaining team morale during a transitional year. Overall, Mays' honors cemented his reputation as a of USC's Pac-10 dominance, blending athletic gifts with on-field that propelled the Trojans to multiple conference titles and bowl wins.

Professional and post-playing honors

During his football in the and CFL, Taylor Mays did not earn any major individual awards such as selections or honors. In recognition of his contributions to Jewish sports heritage, Mays was inducted into the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame on June 26, 2011, as the 14th honored by the organization. Mays received further posthumous acknowledgment from his when he was inducted into the Athletic Wall of Honor in 2018, celebrating his standout performance as a three-year two-way varsity player. On June 2, 2025, Mays was named to the ballot for the 2026 , highlighting his legacy as a four-year USC starter and three-time All-American.

Personal life

Religious and cultural background

Taylor Mays was raised in his mother's faith after being born in Seattle, Washington, to Laurie Mays, who is , and Stafford Mays, an African American former player. Introduced to at an early age, Mays attended twice a week and , participating in educational aspects of Jewish tradition. His family instilled cultural practices centered on his maternal heritage, though he has noted that did not play a major role in his life during his younger years. In February 2001, Mays celebrated his bar mitzvah with a football-themed ceremony, which blended his emerging interest in sports with his religious milestone. The event included reading from the , an experience he later described as a significant moment that shaped his personal growth in unexpected ways. At the time, Mays admitted he was primarily excited about the party and gathering with friends, without fully grasping the deeper meaning of the . Mays has identified as a Jewish throughout his career, earning recognition in Jewish media and communities for his achievements in professional football. His religious upbringing contributed to values such as , instilled through the structure of and family expectations, as well as a sense of community from early exposure to Jewish educational settings. These elements have influenced his identity, highlighting the intersection of faith and perseverance in his life.

Family and residence

Taylor Mays resides in , Washington, maintaining strong connections to his family's longstanding home in the neighborhood. He shares deep ties with his extended family, particularly through his father, Stafford Mays, a former defensive lineman who played for the Minnesota Vikings and St. Louis Cardinals after starring at the in the late 1970s; Stafford continues to influence the local football scene as the defensive line coach at , Mays' . Post-retirement from professional play, Mays has found balance in his coaching role at the , where proximity to his roots and family support system eases the transition back to his hometown. This current living situation echoes his early upbringing, reinforcing familial bonds in the . In July 2025, Mays married Taylor Kim. No children are publicly known as of November 2025.

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