National Football League

Report: Jason Taylor set to retire

Published Dec. 27, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

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Miami Dolphins linebacker Jason Taylor, the franchise's all-time sacks leader, will retire after 15 years in the NFL on Sunday, the Miami Herald reported late Tuesday, citing sources.

A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Taylor was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2006 and sits behind only Bruce Smith, Reggie White, Kevin Greene, Chris Doleman and Michael Strahan on the all-time sacks list with 139-1/2.

The report said that it was unclear whether Taylor planned to announce that he was walking away from the sport prior to the game against the New York Jets at Sun Life Stadium.

Age is believed to be the key reason for his decision, according to the report. He will be 38 when the 2012 season begins.

Taylor, who has seven sacks this season, will leave the game as a future Hall of Fame candidate. He has returned six fumbles for touchdowns, which is the most in NFL history, and has added three interception returns for scores, seeing him score more touchdowns than any other defensive lineman.