Jason Taylor, Pro Football Star

A star on and off the football field, Jason Taylor has also logged his fair share of hours on the water. After 15 seasons of pro football, this six-time Pro Bowler loves to share the boating life with his wife and three children. When not at the helm or in a football uniform, you may have seen him in front of the camera during the sixth season of Dancing with the Stars or as a pro football analyst for ESPN.

Discover Boating (DB) recently sat down with Jason for some boating talk …

DB: How did you get started in boating?
Jason: After being drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1997, I quickly fell in love with the water. My first boat was an inboard cruiser and from that point on I was hooked on boating!

“More than anything, being out on the water is extremely relaxing for me. I love being able to disconnect from the rest of the world in a peaceful environment and just recharge.” – Jason Taylor

DB: Why do you love life on the water?
Jason: More than anything, being out on the water is extremely relaxing for me. I love being able to disconnect from the rest of the world in a peaceful environment and just recharge. I also think being on the water, and just boating in general, provides great family times.

DB: Do you boat with your family?
Jason: Absolutely! My wife and I have three children and they love it. Heck, my kids have basically been raised on the water. I spend a lot of time fishing alone, or just chilling on my own, but so many of our family’s most memorable moments have come on boating trips.

DB: Any tips for someone getting started in boating?
Jason: Respect the water! That is first and foremost. You also have to really watch the wind and weather. I recommend picking calm days at first to build your sea legs. And, don’t answer your phone!

DB: What’s your favorite boating memory?
Jason: All of my trips with the wife and kids really stick out. We’ve visited the Exumas, St. Bart&rsquo's, New York and on and on. Any time we can get away and anchor away from land, it’s special.

DB: Where are your favorite places to boat?
Jason: We really love the Bahamas – The Exumas, Harbor Island, Bimini, etc. The Keys are great as well. You have the Bay and the ocean, so wind really isn’t an issue. I can always find fishing or chill spots and a few great restaurants… what else do you need?

DB: What’s on your on-the-water playlist?
Jason: I listen to a little bit of everything depending on the trip, but on the water, it’s mostly country. You can find some hip-hop and pop for the kids to dance to, but from my experience, fish always seem to bite to country music. Especially my man, Darius Rucker — his voice is like the pied piper out there. Just press play and the rest is easy!