NFL icon Lawrence Taylor, renowned as one of the greatest defensive players in league history, recently shared a pivotal moment from his past: he nearly abandoned football during his high school years. In a candid conversation on OutKick's "Maintaining with Tyrus," the 66-year-old Hall of Famer revealed that it was his father's unwavering support that kept him on the gridiron.

Taylor recounted his early struggles with the sport, admitting, "I felt overwhelmed. When I first started playing football in my junior year, I seriously considered quitting. But my dad wouldn't hear of it. He simply said, 'You're not quitting.'" This paternal encouragement proved crucial, and as Taylor began to grasp the nuances of the game, his father instilled another valuable lesson: "You have to outperform everyone else just to be considered equal." This advice resonated deeply, shaping Taylor's competitive drive and relentless pursuit of excellence.

This determination served him well throughout his illustrious 13-year career with the New York Giants, where he won two Super Bowls. In 1986, Taylor achieved the rare distinction of being named NFL MVP, one of only two defensive players to ever receive this honor. That season, he recorded an astounding 20.5 sacks, driven by his singular focus: finding the football. Taylor explained his approach: "My coaches gave me the freedom to play the game as I saw it. They didn't restrict me with rigid instructions. My objective was always clear – get to the ball, no matter the path."

This instinctive style, combined with exceptional athleticism, led to a remarkable career. The ten-time Pro Bowler amassed 142 sacks in 184 games, cementing his legacy as one of the most dominant defensive forces in NFL history.

The complete interview with Lawrence Taylor on OutKick is scheduled to air at 9 a.m. ET Sunday.