Jason Taylor ponders a reporter's question at Monday's media conference. (Lawrence Jackson/Associated Press)

Jason Taylor has put his Hollywood off-season behind him now that he is a member of the Washington Redskins.

The six-time Pro Bowl defensive end clashed with the Miami Dolphins, the team he had been with for all of his 11 NFL seasons, as he participated in the television show, Dancing With the Stars, rather than work out with the team this off-season.

Taylor got a new start when he was traded to the Redskins on Sunday for a second-round pick in 2009 and a sixth-round choice in 2010.

He flew in Monday afternoon, took a physical and was officially introduced at a 6 p.m. ET media conference.

"We have not talked about anything besides football," Taylor said. "There's no dancing — unless we're celebrating a big play."

The trade for Taylor came after the Redskins lost starting defensive end Phillip Daniels with a season-ending left knee injury Sunday on the first day of training camp.

"I definitely thought it was Christmas in July for us to be able to add a player of his calibre to our football team," Redskins middle linebacker London Fletcher said. "It just energized us."

Taylor, the NFL's defensive player of the year in 2006, had 11 sacks last season.

Andre Carter, who will pair with Taylor on the other side of Washington's defensive line, led the Redskins with 10½ sacks.

"Bringing in Jason Taylor is a blessing," Carter said. "It'll add another dimension to the defensive line.

"It'll allow us to stop the run and get after the passer. Having him on the other side of the line is a great deal."

Feuded with Dolphins

No one in Washington seemed concerned about the controversy surrounding Taylor this off-season.

The 33-year-old feuded with Miami's new management, led by executive vice-president of football operations Bill Parcells.

At one point, Taylor said he was unhappy at the lack of communication he'd had with Parcells and rookie general manager Jeff Ireland.

In mid-May, Miami rookie head coach Tony Sparano announced Taylor was not expected to take part in any team activities through training camp — and there was talk of a possible trade for Taylor throughout the off-season.

Taylor said he felt the rift had been blown out of proportion.

"That train started rolling and got some steam and I think got a little out of control," he said.

Taylor said his departure from Miami was amicable.

"It is for me," Taylor said. "I think people are a little disappointed in that.

As far as the Redskins players are concerned, the important thing about Taylor is not the off-the-field events but what one of the league's top defensive players will bring to the Washington defence.

"A guy like Jason Taylor, you have to know where he is on the field at all times," Redskins offensive lineman Jon Jansen said. "Because if you don't, your quarterback's going to get hurt."

Ranks 14th in sacks

Taylor has started 130 consecutive games and his 114 career sacks rank 14th all-time.

"Our pass rush has improved dramatically with a Pro Bowl player like Jason," Redskins rookie head coach Jim Zorn said.

Injuries led to Taylor joining the Redskins, a chain of events he called a "whirlwind."

Daniels' injury came in the morning, and the trade for Taylor was announced Sunday evening.

Taylor said he learned the trade was final Sunday when he received a call at 6:15 p.m. ET from Redskins owner Daniel Snyder and executive vice president Vinny Cerrato.

Earlier in the day, Taylor had been at Miami's training facility preparing his locker and equipment for camp, which opens July 25.

Taylor's wife, Katina, and their three children were in Dallas this weekend visiting her brother, Zach Thomas — Taylor's former teammate with the Dolphins.

Thomas was released by Miami in February and signed with the Cowboys.

Snyder sent a plane Monday morning to bring Taylor's family from Dallas to Miami, where Taylor met them before boarding the plane bound for Washington's facility in Virginia.

"I've been getting poked and prodded," Taylor said. "This is all new to me.

"I haven't had a physical like that since the combine."

After the media conference, Taylor left to join his new teammates for a team meeting.

He is expected to practise with the team on Tuesday morning.