Talley spent four seasons as a member of the West Virginia Mountaineers and originally played quarterback.
[4] Talley was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Miami Dolphins during the 1988 preseason, but did not make either team's active roster.
He spent the 1989 season with the Cleveland Browns practice squad after being waived from the active roster at the end of the preseason.
[5][6] He played in 14 games as a wide receiver and tight end with two starts the following season, catching two passes for 28 yards.
[7] He played in three games during the 1991 season with one reception for 13 yards before he was placed on injured reserve in early November.