Taylor was a four-time all-state running back and sprinter at River Rouge High School before attending the University of Toledo.

Taylor ranked seventh in nation for the 2001 season with 1,492 rushing yards (268 attempts, 5.3 yards-per-carry) and 20 touchdowns.

[4] He spent four years backing up Jamal Lewis, seeing minimal yet increasing playing time throughout his tenure with the team.

[5] On October 22, 2006, Taylor set a Vikings franchise record for longest run from scrimmage when he ran for a 95-yard touchdown in the third quarter, which is also an NFL record for the longest run in the 3rd quarter, against the Seattle Seahawks.

Taylor and Adrian Peterson were considered one of the NFL's top running back tandems.