ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
Toronto – Newest Argo Eric Taylor is ready to make the big change.
Taylor joined the Toronto Argonauts, from Edmonton, after a February 10 trade that saw veteran receivers Andre Talbot and Brad Smith head out west. “I’m excited to make the big change to Toronto,” said Taylor. “I have heard great things about the city and I think it will fit better with my lifestyle than Edmonton did.”
Taylor likes to make big changes in his career outside of football as well, mostly in the lives of youth within his community. He recently developed a community programme in his hometown of Winchester, Tennessee called S.T.E.P. (Striving Towards Excellence & Performance). The primary goal of the programme is to point youth in the right direction in life. His belief is that a healthy lifestyle comprised of healthy food choices and regular physical activity should be a part of every child’s life. His programme takes place both in and out of the classroom, and stresses the importance of having what he calls parents on board. Taylor explains, “You can teach kids about healthy eating and the importance of physical activity, but if their parents don’t provide the resources to fulfill those guidelines, it makes it hard for kids to understand and adjust.”
Growing up, the 6-foot 2-inch, 300 pound defensive tackle was involved in many community programmes and was lucky to be surrounded by good people who helped him get to where he is today. Taylor believes that, “Everyone should have somebody to care about them.” The S.T.E.P. program is developed to give youth the support that they need to be successful. He’s found support from a local basketball coach as well as nearby college football players to help run the programme at local schools. He has high hopes that the programme will be successful in the Winchester community and will expand to surrounding communities within the next few years. A portion of the proceeds from S.T.E.P. go to various charities throughout the Winchester community.
As for his CFL career, Taylor is excited to get things started in Toronto. Consistent with his off-season endevours, the big man just wants to help and affect change for the better, “I’m hoping to help turn the team around and help them to start winning some more games,” said Taylor. His teammates hope he can help too.
Taylor’s first chance to put on a Double Blue jersey will be at the Argos’ home pre-season game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 13 at Rogers Centre. For ticket information, please call (416) 341-ARGO (2746).