Lawrence Taylor, a Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee and former North Carolina football star, recently shared memories of competing against basketball legend Michael Jordan during practice sessions at the University of North Carolina. Taylor’s recollections offer an inside look at the intensity and physicality present during those encounters.
In an interview with former NBA player Stephen Jackson, Taylor described his unique opportunity to practice with the Tar Heels basketball team under legendary coach Dean Smith. “Dean Smith allowed me to practice with him,” Taylor explained. “He allowed me to practice and Mike was always, every time I turned around, he would just, calling foul, foul, foul, foul, like I just hit you a little bit. Come on man. So every time Mike had the ball, I wanted to guard Mike.”
Taylor acknowledged that Jordan often bested him in these sessions but maintained that he was able to make a lasting impression on the court as well: “But listen he was going to drop me off but I’m going to drop him off a little something in his head. I’m going to throw a little something at him. I’m not saying I’m a fair player, I’m just saying I’m a player.”
Taylor played his last college football game for North Carolina in 1979 before being drafted by the New York Giants in 1981 and eventually becoming one of the most celebrated defensive players in professional football history. Jordan joined the campus shortly after for the 1981-82 basketball season.
Both athletes are considered among the greatest in their respective sports for North Carolina and beyond—Taylor for football and Jordan for basketball.
