When the New York Jets drafted Mason Taylor 42nd overall in the 2025 NFL draft, they knew the history; they understood the pedigree.
They even understood the awkwardness of the situation.
Taylor, the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame edge rusher Jason Taylor of the Miami Dolphins (and Jets for one season, 2010 with Rex Ryan), and nephew of Phins’ legend Zach Thomas, was taken by a team his parents grew up hating during their careers.
Now that Taylor is a member of the Jets, things are about to get far more hilarious in the family household.
Zach Thomas talks Jets drafting nephew
Speaking on the “Dolphins Talk” podcast, the Hall of Fame linebacker shared how incredible it was to watch his nephew get drafted—even if the Jets selected him.
“It was a special moment that night,” Thomas said. “Father Ed, the priest who was giving the pre-draft prayer, said ‘we’re there to support you even if you go to the Jets.’ It was a special moment because I knew this kid was obsessed with football.”
Thomas is related to Mason through his mother’s side. Katina (Thomas’ sister) and Jason were married for 14 years and had an up-and-down relationship throughout their lives.
Through it all, though, Thomas has watched Mason grow into a strong football player.
In fact, Mason’s draft status edges his family members: his uncle Zach (drafted in the fifth round) and father Jason (drafted in the third round). Despite the proud moments as an uncle, Thomas made sure to have a good laugh about the situation.
“I saw the rival Jets and I cried when he had the moment, and then I cried when I knew the Jets were going to get better,” Thomas joked.
Times have changed for the family. Taylor enters a Jets roster in need of a tight end of his caliber. The LSU product set program records for the position in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
At just 21 years old, he’s expected to be one of the young players New York looks to build around. And that leaves Thomas and Taylor both rooting for the Jets more so than they ever have before.
“When it’s family, and I’ve seen what this kid puts in,” Thomas concluded. “He’s a heck of a player and is young. … I always wanted the Jets to go 0-17, but now I have to tell Dolphin fans I can’t cheer against my family.”
Fortunately for the family, though, Taylor won’t forget anything his father or uncle taught him.
Taylor talks living in legends’ shoes
Many current NFL athletes are children of Hall of Fame players. Few have the kind of NFL bloodlines like Taylor’s, where even his uncle was an all-time great.
Instead of running away from that kind of pressure, though, Taylor is leaning into it. He feels that it will only strengthen him.
“There are high expectations, for sure, just because of the last name,” Taylor said. “But when people say, ‘Oh, let him have his shine, stop saying his dad’s name’ — I mean, I love it. We’re family, him (Jason) and my uncle Zach.”
It’s an awkward time for the Taylor family. Yet, as young Mason Taylor begins his NFL journey with his new team, it feels certain that the New York Jets have two new fans aboard the bandwagon.
