Former NFL Linebacker Arrested in Human Trafficking Sting

A former NFL linebacker is among over 250 individuals arrested during a significant human trafficking operation in Florida, which also resulted in the rescue of 30 undocumented immigrants, according to officials.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported that Taylor, who played seven seasons with teams including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, and Cleveland Browns, was apprehended last month during a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies.

At 34, he is accused of bringing a six-year-old child to a location where he allegedly assaulted him, leaving the child in a vehicle while he entered the premises, as noted by Sheriff Grady Judd. It’s a pretty shocking situation, really.

“Clearly, he took too many hits as a linebacker—his brain is likely affected,” Judd commented on the incident.

The authorities took the child into protective custody, with support from the Florida Department of Children and Family Services.

In total, 255 arrests were made in a law enforcement operation spanning from May 2 to May 10, which also involved the rescue of 255 illegal immigrants.

According to the arrest records, Taylor faces charges of felony child neglect without physical harm, as well as soliciting a misdemeanor related to prostitution.

Among those arrested, 141 individuals are charged with soliciting prostitution, while 93 were accused of offering to engage in prostitution. Additional charges included prostitution-related offenses such as escape and transportation, with 11 people suspected of trying to engage minors in sexual acts.

Interestingly, the sheriff’s office identified four individuals as possible victims of human trafficking and provided them with support services.

Taylor last took to the field in 2020 with the Carolina Panthers, where he had a brief stint, starting two games.