From NFL Legend to Graduate: Fred Taylor’s Promise to His Grandmother Fueled His Quest for a Degree

In 2021, legendary NFL running back Fred Taylor achieved a significant milestone by earning his college degree at the University of Florida. At 48 years old and with an illustrious 13-year career in the NFL, Taylor had already earned almost $41 million and become a franchise legend for the Jaguars. Although he was just a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Taylor’s contributions to the sport were undeniable.

Technically, Taylor did not need to complete his degree, but he made a promise that he was determined to fulfill. He successfully finished the final class required for his sociology degree at the University of Florida, more than 26 years after he left for the NFL Draft. This accomplishment added to his impressive career statistics, including 11,695 career rushing yards.

The journey to earning his degree was fueled by a promise Taylor made to his grandmother, Rosetta Lusane, who was suffering from dementia and health issues last year. In her final days, Taylor vowed to complete his college education, a promise that he was determined to keep. Despite the challenges he faced, Taylor remained dedicated to his goal, signing up for the final course and completing it without telling anyone, not even his wife.

After getting past the drop-add period and committing to his studies, Taylor focused on finishing his degree. His son, Kelvin, followed in his footsteps and enrolled at the University of Florida to complete his own degree while youngest son Austin plans to enroll at the university this summer. Taylor’s determination and commitment to his education have added another impressive achievement to an already distinguished career in football.