Taylor was the valedictorian of the Sudan High School class of 1998. He was also the Vice-President of his class. However, Taylor is probably best know for his career in professional football. Many Sudanites fondly remember his father helping him train each summer in the blazing heat as Dad sat in the family Bronco and barked orders to his son as he pushed the family vehicle across the school parking lot. By his senior year, dad was having to step on the brake to slow Taylor down-Whitley was a four-year letterman (1999-2002) and three-year starter at Texas A&M, starting 34 of 45 games played.
Whitley was a four-year letterman (1999-2002) and three-year starter at Texas A&M, starting 34 of 45 games played.
As a senior, he started all 11 games at right guard, helping the Aggies' offense average 386.2 yards per game and earning honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference recognition (Associated Press).
Whitley started all 11 games at right guard as a junior and 11 games at the position as a sophomore before moving to right tackle for the Independence Bowl. He was a key part of a line that allowed just 10 sacks during his sophomore year despite logging the second-most pass attempts in school history.
As a redshirt freshman, he played 11 games at right guard and both tackle positions. He also competed in shot put on the school's track team.
Whitley was a three-time all-district and all-South Plains selection at offensive and defensive tackle at Sudan High School in Sudan, Tex. He did not allow a sack during his last two seasons.
Whitley also earned four letters in track, a sport in which he garnered three state titles in the shot put and one in the discus.
He signed with the Redskins in October 2006 as an unrestricted free agent. He was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the third round (87th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft. He signed to the Redskins' active roster on Oct. 23, 2006. He was inactive for nine games. In 2005 Whitley joined the Broncos as a free agent on Oct. 31 after the Dolphins waived him Sept. 3. He saw action for Denver in two regular-season games, appearing on the club's special-teams units. He was inactive for three games before making his season debut at K.C. (12/4). In 2004 Whitley played all 16 regular-season games (11 starts) for the Dolphins, making his NFL debut and initial pro start in the season opener vs. Tennessee (9/11). He started each of the Dolphins' first 11 contests at right guard before assuming a reserve role for the remaining five. He was a key contributor to an offense that produced 3,391 receiving yards and 1,339 rushing yards. In 2003 Whitley was inactive for all 16 regular-season games during his rookie season after seeing action in all four preseason games.
His father, Dennis, played football at Baylor, while his step-grandfather, Dick Todd, was one the nation's top all-purpose threats for Texas A&M in the late 1930's followed by a professional career with the New York Jets and the Washington Redskins.
His mother , Lanette, is the Family and Consumer Science teacher for Sudan High School.
Whitley graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in international business management following his junior year. He spent his senior year pursuing his Master's degree in sports management.
Taylor Ross Whitley, was born Feb. 21, 1980, in Baytown, Tex. He is married to Shannon Whitley who also graduated from Texas A & M, Class of '02. They reside in Missouri City, Texas, where Taylor pursues housing investment opportunities and Shannon is an administrator with Methodist Hospital.
