NFL legend Lawrence Taylor OK but hospitalized with 'stomach-related issue'

Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor was hospitalized with a "stomach-related issue," according to his lawyer, Mark Eiglarsh.

"At this time, the condition does not appear to be life-threatening," Eiglarsh said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY Sports. "He remains under medical observation and is showing signs of improvement. His discharge date has not yet been determined.

Taylor has been hospitalized since April 20, Eiglarsh said.

Eiglarsh said that Taylor wanted to convey "his sincere gratitude to everyone who has been thinking of him and keeping him in their prayers during this challenging time."

TMZ first reported April 24, the day of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, that Taylor had been hospitalized with a "medical emergency" in New Jersey.

The former New York Giants linebacker is considered one of the best linebackers of all time. He was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1981, the first of eight All-Pro seasons over a nine-year span. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion, three-time Defensive Player of the Year and has the noted distinction of being Bill Belichick's favorite player he coached. On a football field, the jersey number "56" invokes Taylor.

CANTON, OHIO - AUGUST 02: Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor is introduced during the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 02, 2025 in Canton, Ohio.

Taylor's post-playing career has been littered with controversy. In 1997, he pleaded guilty to falsifying a tax return seven years earlier. His autobiography explained his abuse of drugs while playing in the NFL. He pleaded guilty to a sexual misconduct misdemeanor and patronizing a prostitute in 2011 and was arrested for domestic violence in 2016.