Taylor Decker
A rock-solid offensive tackle who has been the dependable cornerstone of the Detroit Lions' offensive line through years of franchise transformation.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American football player·Birthday: August 23·Millennials
Biography
Taylor Decker arrived in the NFL with the pedigree of a college champion, having been a cornerstone of Ohio State's 2014 national title team. Selected in the first round by Detroit in 2016, he was handed the critical job of protecting the quarterback's blind side from day one. After a promising rookie year, a shoulder injury tested his resolve, but he returned to reclaim his post. Decker's value lies in his remarkable consistency and durability; he is less a flashy highlight reel and more the steady, intelligent force that allows an offense to function. As the Lions evolved from also-rans to contenders, Decker's leadership and technical prowess at left tackle provided essential stability. His career embodies the unglamorous, essential work of an offensive lineman: a decade of quiet, week-in, week-out excellence that forms the foundation of any successful team.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Taylor was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Taylor Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Taylor's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Was a starting offensive tackle for the Ohio State Buckeyes team that won the 2014 College Football Playoff National Championship.
- Named a consensus First-Team All-American in his final collegiate season.
- Has been a multi-year team captain for the Detroit Lions.
Did You Know?
He majored in communications at Ohio State University.
He and his wife have a son named Beau.
He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting and fishing in the offseason.
“My job is simple: keep the quarterback clean and open a lane.”
