Former NFL linebacker Adarius Taylor was arrested on May 8 in Polk County, Florida. According to jail records, 34-year-old Taylor was booked on two charges-- one count of negligent child abuse without bodily harm and one count of soliciting another for prostitution, lewdness or assignation.
He was released from custody on Sunday after posting a $6,000 bond.
Once a hard-hitting presence on the Carolina Panthers’ defense, Taylor played in Charlotte during two separate stints in 2014 and 2020. He starred at Florida Atlantic after a standout junior college career and eventually signed with Carolina as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Over seven NFL seasons, he suited up for the Panthers, Buccaneers, and Browns, logging 100 career tackles, 2.0 sacks, and a forced fumble across 61 games.
Despite a journeyman’s career, Taylor made a mark during the 2018 season with the Buccaneers, appearing in all 16 games with 10 starts. Panthers fans remember his gritty special teams play and leadership in a young linebacker corps during the 2020 campaign. But since a short-lived stint with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders in 2023, Taylor has faded from the spotlight—until now.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has not released further details about the child abuse accusation or the solicitation charge. The NFL has not issued a statement regarding the case.