ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WKBW) — Washington product Taylor Rapp entered the NFL as a rookie in 2019 for the Los Angeles Rams and earned a starting role. The Super Bowl champion had to humble himself when transitioning to the Buffalo Bills last season.
"The year that I went through last year. It looked like my role was different compared to my first four years in the league," said Rapp.
However, signing a one-year deal with the Bills during free agency was better than "okay" for the veteran safety.
"Probably the best thing that could've happened to my career, to my life, my relationship with my wife. You know we grew off the field," said Rapp.
Rapp emerged as a better player and teammate and credited much of his progress to the dynamic safety duo of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer.
"I really feel like those two guys are the best teammates I've had throughout my whole career," Rapp said.
The hard work paid off, and Rapp earned a three-year contract extension.
With Poyer now in Miami, Tre'Davious White in Los Angeles, and Hyde's future with the Bills up in the air, it's a new defensive back room and Rapp is the most experienced.
"It's crazy because I'm going on year six, and I feel like it was just my rookie year, and I was in Cole's position. My rookie year, I had Eric Weddle; he was kind of like my vet," said Rapp.
Even as a kid, Rapp says he always wanted to play with his big brother and his friends.
"I think that played a huge part of growing up because I was always playing with older guys, always playing up, older teams and stuff. I think that played a huge part in my development," said Rapp.
Now, it's Rapp's turn to lead.
"I've got to take that. I've got to embrace that role," Rapp said.
