National Football League Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor was a free spirit who made his own rules and broke the rest. But, after years of living on the edge, Taylor fell over — brought down by cocaine and alcohol. His troubles were fodder for a hungry media, and as TV cameras rolled, the man known as L.T. hit rock bottom.

His reckless, aggressive style literally transformed not only the linebacker position, but also the way defense in general is played. But to many, Taylor's off-the-field notoriety overshadowed his gridiron accomplishments and brought disgrace to his legend and the game at which he excelled.

This Sunday's episode of Beyond the Glory traces the steps that Taylor took in his life and how his activities on and off the field affected those around him.

From his upbringing in Williamsburg, Virginia, his college career at the University of North Carolina, his 13-year NFL career that included an MVP season capped off with a Super Bowl victory, to his current life in retirement