Nov. 11, 2007

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Aaron Taylor, a 1994 Notre Dame graduate, former Irish and NFL player and former college football analyst for ABC Sports, received the Harvey G. Foster Award for athletic endeavors and civic or University service this past weekend.

An offensive guard for Notre Dame, Taylor was drafted in 1994 by the Green Bay Packers, where he earned a Super Bowl ring in 1997. He played for the San Diego Chargers in 1998 and 1999 before retiring from the NFL because of knee injuries. He joined ABC Sports as a color commentator for college football and recently retired from broadcasting to devote time to his passion for philanthropy, including the Aaron Taylor IMPACT Fund, a non-profit organization that benefits programs for children in San Diego. After leaving professional football, Taylor earned a post-graduate degree in elementary education, and in 2001, participated in a volunteer placement program teaching English to high school students in South America. He also founded a project that built a community center and 40 temporary houses in the tsunami-ravaged village of Kosgoda, Sri Lanka.

President of the NFL Players Association for Retired Players in San Diego, Taylor currently is organizing a mentor program for NFL rookies, active players and retired players, and recently received the 10News Leadership Award for his work in Sri Lanka, mentoring children and with athletes in transition.

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