Following his graduation from the
University of Western Ontario, Taras was drafted by the
B.C. Lions in the third round of the
1987 CFL Draft as a
guard. Taras initially played fullback for the Lions for four years, but achieved the greatest success of his playing career as an offensive guard, and later,
center. In
1994, Taras was a part of the Lions' 11-6-1 season that culminated in a
Grey Cup matchup with the
Baltimore Stallions. The Lions ultimately prevailed, 26–23. The following season,
1995, Taras, playing guard, was named a
CFL All-Star for the first time. Taras would be named a
CFL All-Star a second time, in
1999, for his play at center. Taras twice won the
DeMarco-Becket Memorial Trophy as the
CFL Western Division's Most Outstanding Lineman, in
1995 and
1999. In
1999, Taras was also awarded the
Dr. Beattie Martin Trophy as the Most Outstanding Canadian in the CFL Western Division, and the
Tom Pate Memorial Award, for his outstanding sportsmanship and service to the community. In
2000, Taras was a member of the Lion's fourth
Grey Cup championship team. The Lions defeated the
Montreal Alouettes 28–26, with Taras snapping the ball to then-Lions
quarterback,
Damon Allen. Taras retired from the Lions in
2003, and was voted a member of the
B.C. Lions All-Time Dream Team, at the
guard position, as part of the club's 50 year anniversary celebration. Taras #60 was also
retired by the Lions. His jersey number was worn during the
2006 CFL season by then Lions
tackle,
Jason Jimenez. == Post-football life ==