Taylor Gabriel

Taylor Gabriel is a Texas native, Abilene Christian University alumnus, and a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears (#18). He has been playing football professionally for five years. Before being drafted to play with the Chicago Bears, Gabriel played for the Cleveland Browns and the Atlanta Falcons, respectively. We recently caught up with Taylor Gabriel to talk about his passions, career, and his goals for motivating and inspiring today’s youth.

Embed from Getty Images

Fun facts:

What inspires you? The youth inspires me, trying to be an example for the youth, and the motivation from helping the youth…at this point in my career, being 5 years in the NFL. I’ve accomplished a lot of my short-term goals. 

Photography: Elroy Johnson

Social Media Handles:

@turbotaylor (IG)

Your favorite song currently and the artist:

Sade – “Hang on to your love” by Sade

Currently reading:

As of now, baby books (Gabriel is a new father)

Favorite food spot in your city:  

Sprezza on Oak Lawn in Dallas

Sweet Tea or Lemonade (it’s a Southern thing):

Sweet Tea or Almer Palmer

If you attended a University/College, where did you attend:

Abilene Christian University

Favorite place to visit/vacation:

Cabo in Mexico

Interview questions:

Chicago Bears Wide Receiver, Taylor Gabriel

Background information. Where are you from?

Dallas, Texas

How did you get involved in football?

I was very passionate when I was younger, the competitiveness kept me interested in football.

What age did you start playing football?

At age six and I never took a break from it.

What high school did you attend?

John Horn High School in Mesquite, TX

Tell us about your experience at Abilene Christian University and how did ACU recruit you?

A coach came to visit the school (John Horn High School), he didn’t’ think I was going to ACU, he thought I was going to Division I, I was late doing my SATs, but ACU stuck it out with me, and I visited (ACU) and met Coach Thompson, and it felt like home. I loved the chapel throughout the day. I loved the growth part of it, learning to become a man, it was bigger than just football there.

*Abilene Christian University is now apart of  the Southland Conference (Division I)

Who was a big influence in your upbringing and your career goals?

My dad was…he was big in making sure I was the best at what I wanted to do.

What long-term goals do you have? What steps are you currently taking in this direction?

My long-term goal is to work with youth. I want to bring more of my focus towards the youth. (Gabriel plans to launch a non-profit in 2019) He wants to help the next generation navigate college and pursue their dreams.

Tell us about your social media presence. Do you use it in your line of work? Why or why not, is it important in your day-to-day responsibilities, platform or career?

My social media is more inspirational… it is used more for motivational and spiritual motivation for the youth and whoever is watching.

Which public figures, role models and or historical figure shaped your goals as a child and in adulthood? Any that embodies your personal values?

My father, he was a businessman, and that is what I wanted to be… a businessman, get my degree, suit and tie and a 9-5 and work my way up.

If you weren’t in the NFL what would you be doing?

Business, I graduated from ACU with a degree in Information Systems.

How do you feel about joining the Chicago Bears?

I’m excited, new journey, new place, new environment, wherever God has put me at, I’ve always learned new lessons, and expand my testimony and growth. I know it will be a good transition.

What does it mean to you to be a millennial? How do you share that with others in your life?

By paving a way for the youth, not just for me or self-gain, but for the next generation that comes up behind me, giving them a guide…

Stay Connected. Follow Millennials to Watch. Click HERE!