Former Badger Jonathan Taylor continues to give back ahead of unusual start to rookie NFL season

 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (CBS 58) -- This isn’t how Jonathan Taylor expected his NFL career to start. The coronavirus pandemic forced the former Badger and the rest of the NFL into a virtual world. Virtual draft and virtual team meetings, but Taylor’s finding very real ways to help.

“There’s not a lot of joy right now with everything going on. So just to be able to give back and be able to create even a sliver of joy and put a smile on people’s faces,” Taylor said.

The new Colts running back is now partnered with UW Credit Union for the Jump Around giveback campaign. Taylor helped bring Camp Randall’s greatest tradition to life virtually and helped raise ten thousand dollars for the United Way.

“We know exactly what United Way is all about, we know exactly what they’ll do to help people. We’re hoping to essentially buy time, this is not a long term fix, but eventually we will get through this as a nation.”

Before the start of his first training camp, Taylor also held a virtual football camp and started a scholarship program.

“You have a platform; you have the ability to make change. Especially now at a time like this, I know I have the resources,” he said.

Safe to say it’s been a busy off-season for Taylor. Aside from starting all of these great programs he’s also been studying the Colts playbook and staying in shape. The last few months was capped off by a moment he’ll never forget. Signing his first NFL contract

“I’m on the team, I am on the Indianapolis Colts. It’s an amazing feeling. This is who you are. This is the family you are a part of and you’re excited to take the next step. Just making sure that you stay ready so that when you get that call that we’re good to go and ready you can hit the ground running,” said Taylor.

The next step is finally underway. Taylor’s in Indianapolis with the rest of the rookies before the full team reports to camp Tuesday.