Leonard Taylor is heading to the Super Bowl, and he’s not shy about reflecting on just how far he’s come - especially when it comes to his time with the New York Jets.
The defensive tackle, now with the New England Patriots, didn’t mince words when asked about the contrast between his former team and the one he’s now helping chase a championship. After spending the early part of his career grinding through tough seasons in a rebuilding situation, Taylor is now part of a franchise that’s once again knocking on the door of NFL glory.
“I went from a losing team to a Super Bowl team, so it’s pretty great,” Taylor said. “It’s pretty amazing, just knowing that all the hard work I put in has finally been noticed and seen.”
That’s not just a feel-good soundbite - it’s a window into the mindset of a player who’s lived both sides of the NFL experience. With the Jets, Taylor was part of a team that struggled to find consistency, let alone wins. Now, he’s in a locker room where winning isn’t just the goal - it’s the expectation.
“It’s pretty wild leaving an organization that was fighting every week to get to a win to now coming to a team that’s consistently winning,” Taylor added. “It’s pretty fun.”
For Jets fans, those comments sting - not because they’re unfair, but because they echo a familiar narrative. The Jets have cycled through quarterbacks, head coaches, and front office leaders in recent years, yet the results have largely stayed the same. Meanwhile, the Patriots have maintained a culture built on stability, structure, and sustained success.
Taylor’s remarks aren’t the first of their kind, and they probably won’t be the last. Until the Jets can flip the script and turn potential into production, they’ll continue to hear former players speak candidly about the difference between life in New York and life elsewhere.
But from Taylor’s perspective, this moment is about more than comparisons. It’s about validation.
He’s gone from fighting for a roster spot to preparing for the biggest game of his career. That’s not just a career milestone - it’s a testament to perseverance, and a reminder of how quickly things can change in this league when talent meets opportunity in the right environment.
Jets fans might not love hearing it, but for Leonard Taylor, the journey from rebuilding to the Super Bowl is one worth celebrating.