Commonwealth University junior overcomes odds, helps power Los Angeles Rams offense

Logan Taylor, a Bloomsburg native and junior at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, is turning a lifelong passion for sports into an extraordinary opportunity at the highest level of football. Living with cerebral palsy and the challenges that come with it, Taylor has transformed adversity into fuel — earning volunteer roles with CU-Bloomsburg football and the Los Angeles Rams.

Throughout Taylor’s life, sports have been a steady, consistent force. “When I was just 3 years old, my dad would take me to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins games, and even at that young age, I was completely hooked. The energy in the arena, the sound of skates cutting across the ice and the roar of the crowd – it all lit a fire in me.”

As he grew older, Taylor started to see sports, not only from a fan’s perspective for entertainment, but the game as a whole. “Whether it was studying plays, talking strategy or dreaming of being on the sidelines, I knew early on that sports weren’t just a hobby, they were my passion and purpose,” he said.

Taylor’s love of football began simple. “Just sitting on the couch with family on Sundays, hearing the roar of the crowd through the TV and watching players fly across the screen … asking questions, memorizing players' names and even trying to imitate the plays in the backyard,” he said “It wasn’t just a sport, it felt like a living, breathing drama every week.”

Taylor soaked up everything he could learn from the sport online. He learned how plays are made, what makes a great player and ultimately finding what he really wanted to do in the sports industry.

“At first, my dream was to become a general manager for a Major League Baseball team,” he said. “I’ve always loved the strategy behind building a team – evaluating talent, making trades and assembling a winning roster. There’s something special about the grind of a 162-game season and the chess match that happens behind the scenes.”

However, his dreams changed when he received a phone call from Sean McVay, head coach for the Los Angeles Rams.

The call stemmed from a conversation during training camp between McVay and Jared Verse, linebacker for the Rams. McVay had asked Verse who his number one motivator was – the person who pushed him to get to the NFL. Without hesitation, Verse said Logan Taylor, explaining that during his senior year at Central Columbia Area High School, he met Taylor, a then eighth grader. The two began to work out together and built a strong bond.

That conversation sparked an interest in McVay to reach out to the young man Verse mentioned. “We had a few calls throughout the season, along with Jared, and we talked about everything from football to motivation and how to inspire others,” Taylor said.

“I knew immediately that he was going to be a great coach,” McVay said about Taylor. “There was something about the way he carried himself – his focus, his hunger to learn and his pure love for the game – that stood out.”

Taylor was given the opportunity to volunteer with the Rams and also to start helping with the team’s offense. “What’s truly remarkable is Logan’s understanding of the game,” McVay said. “He sees things most people overlook, and his ability to process and communicate football concepts is beyond his years. That’s why I trusted him, at just 19 years old, to run our offense. That’s not something I take lightly. It speaks to how much I believe in his leadership, his mind and his dedication. When Logan speaks, people listen – not out of obligation, but out of respect. He’s earned that.”

Having cerebral palsy, Taylor has seen his share of struggles. “Simple things like walking, balancing or moving quickly have never come easily,” he said. “I’ve had to work harder than most just to keep up, and sometimes that can feel frustrating. Another challenge has been overcoming the doubt, both from others and within myself. Over time, I’ve learned to let that doubt motivate me instead of bring me down. I’ve had to find my voice and prove myself again and again, whether it was on the field, in the classroom or just in everyday life. And yeah, it’s been tough – but those challenges have shaped me into someone who never quits, someone who turns ‘you can’t’ into ‘watch me.’ ”

Taylor, a sport management major, said his professors and fellow students at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven played a huge role in growing his love and excitement for the sports industry. “From day one, my professors have brought real-world experience into the classroom, sharing stories, insights and challenges that have made the industry come alive for me. Their passion is contagious, and it’s pushed me to think deeper and dream bigger.”

“My classmates, who share the same drive and ambition, constantly inspire me – whether we’re collaborating on group projects, networking at events or just talking sports,” he added.

Students in the sport management program at Commonwealth University are provided many field experience opportunities throughout the sport industry. “The faculty and staff in our management and sport management programs strive to provide a quality learning experience to our students, which will help them grow and thrive as professionals within their chosen careers,” said Dr. Peter Campbell, interim dean of the Zeigler College of Business. “We, the faculty, are very proud of Logan’s accomplishments to date and know that he will continue to develop as he continues with his academic studies and the pursuit of his professional career.”

Taylor has learned that believing in yourself is the most powerful tool anyone can have. “Never give up on your dreams, no matter how big they seem or how many obstacles stand in your way. When someone doubts you, let that be your fuel. Prove them wrong, not just with words, but with your actions and determination. Pushing forward, stay true to your goals, and remember that every setback is just a setup for an even greater comeback.”