Two Years Later, One Life Lost

This feature was first posted on April 1, 2008.  On November 27 each year we will post this article in tribute to Sean Taylor to recognize his contributions to the University of Miami...

Sean Michael Maurice Taylor was born in Miami on April 1, 1983. 

Perhaps by fate, maybe by coincidence, it was later that same year that the University of Miami, behind a quarterback named Kosar and coach named Schnellenberger (seen below with Jim Kelly), would win their first college football National Championship by beating heavily favored Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. 

That game, which put the UM program on the big-time college football map, has often been referred to as the "Miracle in Miami".  Sean's Taylor's birth in April of that year could also be seen as a miracle for what this young man would soon bring to his team and its fans in his home town.

Sean grew up in a tough South Dade neighborhood and later attend Gulliver High School where he would help them win the Class 2A State Title. His spectacular play would help him become the #1 ranked prep player in Miami-Dade County by the Miami Herald.  Sean was so dominant at the high school level that he played multiple positions including running back, linebacker and defensive back. 

After a spectacular Senior season and a hotly contested recruiting battle for this star athlete, Sean decided to attend the University of Miami.  It would prove to be somewhat ironic that Sean would wind up being one of only four true freshmen to play in 2001 on the Hurricanes fifth National Championship team. 

Even at this early stage, Sean's life had seemingly come full circle.  From being born during the Miracle in Miami season of 1983 to contributing to what was arguably the best UM team ever, the Canes 2001 championship team.  Sean Taylor, a hometown boy had already grown to become a hometown hero and would eventually become a true legend to Canes fans in the 305 and beyond.

As Junior at UM in 2003, after beating FSU at Doak Campbell Stadium in the pouring rain seemingly all by himself, Sean would win a slew of college football awards.  After that season, Sean decided it was time to take the next step in his carrer and would opt for the NFL draft.   

He would be the first of six Canes selected in the first round that year (an NFL record) when he was drafted fifth overall by the Washington Redskins. 

By 2006 there was no doubt that Sean Taylor had become the dominant player at his position and was honored by being selected to the NFL Pro-bowl that year.  He was nicknamed "Meast" by teammates for being part man, part beast.  Taylor would become one of the most feared hitters in the NFL and gained the respect of his peers at the highest level of competition.       

Entering his third year as a Redskin, Sean seemed to be at the top of his game and the NFL talent pool.  By the tenth week of the NFL season he was tied for the league lead in interceptions and was considered an automatic selection for his second straight Pro-Bowl. 

Then came the fateful night of November 26, 2007.Sean Taylor, while at home asleep with his wife and 18 month-old daughter, awoke to a loud noise in his home.  In an effort to protect his family, Sean confronted the would-be burglars.  He was shot once and would later die from the severe loss of blood as his femoral artery was torn apart by the single bullet. 

That night would end the life of a real Hurricane hero.

Sean Taylor's sudden and tragic death shocked his family, friends, teammates and the Hurricane faithful.  When he died the day following the shooting, we promised to never forget his contributions to the University of Miami. 

This blog article is our simple way of proving that we have not forgotten Sean Taylor, #26, who played at The U and was proud to wear the orange and green. 

Some memories and images never fade.  And even now, if you close your eyes, you can probably still see him, #26 back peddaling into open space, picking off another deep pass, splashing through the rain and the mud at the Doak, weaving down the field behind several blockers, refusing to be denied and diving into the end zone for a pick six. 

That is how we will remember Sean Taylor. 

As a miracle of a man who at times seemed completely capable o  beating the other team all by himself.

This feature was first posted on April 1, 2008.  On November 27 each year we will post this article in tribute to Sean Taylor to recognize his contributions to the University of Miami...

Sean Michael Maurice Taylor was born in Miami on April 1, 1983. 

Perhaps by fate, maybe by coincidence, it was later that same year that the University of Miami, behind a quarterback named Kosar and coach named Schnellenberger (seen below with Jim Kelly), would win their first college football National Championship by beating heavily favored Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. 

That game, which put the UM program on the big-time college football map, has often been referred to as the "Miracle in Miami".  Sean's Taylor's birth in April of that year could also be seen as a miracle for what this young man would soon bring to his team and its fans in his home town.

Sean grew up in a tough South Dade neighborhood and later attend Gulliver High School where he would help them win the Class 2A State Title. His spectacular play would help him become the #1 ranked prep player in Miami-Dade County by the Miami Herald.  Sean was so dominant at the high school level that he played multiple positions including running back, linebacker and defensive back. 

After a spectacular Senior season and a hotly contested recruiting battle for this star athlete, Sean decided to attend the University of Miami.  It would prove to be somewhat ironic that Sean would wind up being one of only four true freshmen to play in 2001 on the Hurricanes fifth National Championship team. 

Even at this early stage, Sean's life had seemingly come full circle.  From being born during the Miracle in Miami season of 1983 to contributing to what was arguably the best UM team ever, the Canes 2001 championship team.  Sean Taylor, a hometown boy had already grown to become a hometown hero and would eventually become a true legend to Canes fans in the 305 and beyond.

As Junior at UM in 2003, after beating FSU at Doak Campbell Stadium in the pouring rain seemingly all by himself, Sean would win a slew of college football awards.  After that season, Sean decided it was time to take the next step in his carrer and would opt for the NFL draft.   

He would be the first of six Canes selected in the first round that year (an NFL record) when he was drafted fifth overall by the Washington Redskins. 

By 2006 there was no doubt that Sean Taylor had become the dominant player at his position and was honored by being selected to the NFL Pro-bowl that year.  He was nicknamed "Meast" by teammates for being part man, part beast.  Taylor would become one of the most feared hitters in the NFL and gained the respect of his peers at the highest level of competition.       

Entering his third year as a Redskin, Sean seemed to be at the top of his game and the NFL talent pool.  By the tenth week of the NFL season he was tied for the league lead in interceptions and was considered an automatic selection for his second straight Pro-Bowl. 

Then came the fateful night of November 26, 2007.Sean Taylor, while at home asleep with his wife and 18 month-old daughter, awoke to a loud noise in his home.  In an effort to protect his family, Sean confronted the would-be burglars.  He was shot once and would later die from the severe loss of blood as his femoral artery was torn apart by the single bullet. 

That night would end the life of a real Hurricane hero.

Sean Taylor's sudden and tragic death shocked his family, friends, teammates and the Hurricane faithful.  When he died the day following the shooting, we promised to never forget his contributions to the University of Miami. 

This blog article is our simple way of proving that we have not forgotten Sean Taylor, #26, who played at The U and was proud to wear the orange and green. 

Some memories and images never fade.  And even now, if you close your eyes, you can probably still see him, #26 back peddaling into open space, picking off another deep pass, splashing through the rain and the mud at the Doak, weaving down the field behind several blockers, refusing to be denied and diving into the end zone for a pick six. 

That is how we will remember Sean Taylor. 

As a miracle of a man who at times seemed completely capable o  beating the other team all by himself.

This feature was first posted on April 1, 2008.  On November 27 each year we will post this article in tribute to Sean Taylor to recognize his contributions to the University of Miami...

Sean Michael Maurice Taylor was born in Miami on April 1, 1983. 

Perhaps by fate, maybe by coincidence, it was later that same year that the University of Miami, behind a quarterback named Kosar and coach named Schnellenberger (seen below with Jim Kelly), would win their first college football National Championship by beating heavily favored Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. 

That game, which put the UM program on the big-time college football map, has often been referred to as the "Miracle in Miami".  Sean's Taylor's birth in April of that year could also be seen as a miracle for what this young man would soon bring to his team and its fans in his home town.

Sean grew up in a tough South Dade neighborhood and later attend Gulliver High School where he would help them win the Class 2A State Title. His spectacular play would help him become the #1 ranked prep player in Miami-Dade County by the Miami Herald.  Sean was so dominant at the high school level that he played multiple positions including running back, linebacker and defensive back. 

After a spectacular Senior season and a hotly contested recruiting battle for this star athlete, Sean decided to attend the University of Miami.  It would prove to be somewhat ironic that Sean would wind up being one of only four true freshmen to play in 2001 on the Hurricanes fifth National Championship team. 

Even at this early stage, Sean's life had seemingly come full circle.  From being born during the Miracle in Miami season of 1983 to contributing to what was arguably the best UM team ever, the Canes 2001 championship team.  Sean Taylor, a hometown boy had already grown to become a hometown hero and would eventually become a true legend to Canes fans in the 305 and beyond.

As Junior at UM in 2003, after beating FSU at Doak Campbell Stadium in the pouring rain seemingly all by himself, Sean would win a slew of college football awards.  After that season, Sean decided it was time to take the next step in his carrer and would opt for the NFL draft.   

He would be the first of six Canes selected in the first round that year (an NFL record) when he was drafted fifth overall by the Washington Redskins. 

By 2006 there was no doubt that Sean Taylor had become the dominant player at his position and was honored by being selected to the NFL Pro-bowl that year.  He was nicknamed "Meast" by teammates for being part man, part beast.  Taylor would become one of the most feared hitters in the NFL and gained the respect of his peers at the highest level of competition.       

Entering his third year as a Redskin, Sean seemed to be at the top of his game and the NFL talent pool.  By the tenth week of the NFL season he was tied for the league lead in interceptions and was considered an automatic selection for his second straight Pro-Bowl. 

Then came the fateful night of November 26, 2007.Sean Taylor, while at home asleep with his wife and 18 month-old daughter, awoke to a loud noise in his home.  In an effort to protect his family, Sean confronted the would-be burglars.  He was shot once and would later die from the severe loss of blood as his femoral artery was torn apart by the single bullet. 

That night would end the life of a real Hurricane hero.

Sean Taylor's sudden and tragic death shocked his family, friends, teammates and the Hurricane faithful.  When he died the day following the shooting, we promised to never forget his contributions to the University of Miami. 

This blog article is our simple way of proving that we have not forgotten Sean Taylor, #26, who played at The U and was proud to wear the orange and green. 

Some memories and images never fade.  And even now, if you close your eyes, you can probably still see him, #26 back peddaling into open space, picking off another deep pass, splashing through the rain and the mud at the Doak, weaving down the field behind several blockers, refusing to be denied and diving into the end zone for a pick six. 

That is how we will remember Sean Taylor. 

As a miracle of a man who at times seemed completely capable o  beating the other team all by himself.

Comments

[DZ8]

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

Thank you Canespace and fellow spacers for another wonderful Cane season!!

Posted by: UMike | November 28, 2009 at 10:32 AM

Thank U UMike!
and Six for a behind enemies line "keys to the game".

NativeCane, wish I was there. Don't know about bull balls now but after a couple of jello shots I'm sure I'd give it a try.

GO CANES!!!

[canechic]

KL yes that is what we decided too. Hopefully champs sports bowl cuz that is a 15 minute drive from my house.

BUT WE MUST WIN TODAY!!!!! GO CANES!!!!

[Canez1]

I am sooooo for Tebag to GTFOH!

I am done with it.

I am starting to have a bad feeling about todays game.

Jacory hand is fukked but there is no other viable option at QB.

The key to this game will be Run Run Run, dumpoffs to the RB's and short crossing routes.

We gotta west coast O this game today. He starts bombing away and it is going to be a looooong game.

Hopefully we can start off strong and play a 60 minute game.

Great story on that blind kid from USC.
Can't imagine going through that and the kid was tough as nails. Really a nice story.

RIP ST26

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Canez1]

Bottomline is if we don't adjust our offense around JH's injuries we are fukked.that worked so well in the beginning of the year. Hmmm

Unless we are playing the triple reverse dead opossum deal and JH is fine and we come out gunning on first downs

We will see just how good these coaches are today.

USF's coaches blow so we should have an advantage here. You would think anyway....

We need to come out and blast these bytchez in the mouth and shut them the F up!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Canez1]

Lee Corso's days are numbered.

The dude is a mess upstairs.

I love the entertainment he brings but he is rough to watch sometimes.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[CGNC]

Canez1 - LOL keeping it real as always. I am wondering how rusty Spence will be. I think if he can shake off the rust we will see better defensive play. And maybe the guy in the #50 uni can pick another one???? LOL

[DATcane]

Spiller jus ran back the opening kick off

[Canez1]

Spiller is pretty good...

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Canez1]

CG we have to come out sharp today.

If not it's gonna be a rough one!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[CGNC]

Canechic - LOL I am thinking the same way - Car Care Bowl in Charlotte (30 minutes) or Gator Bowl in Jax (6 hours). Would probably go to Champs though too.....

[CGNC]

Canez - I hear ya - I have been saying that we need to not let them hang around...keep J12 in the shotgun especially with Fox maybe out and hopefully not throw 45-50 times.....don't know if it will be breezy there or not. Anyway we can win this one!

[SuperCooper]

Give Berry the ball Whipple!

[Canez1]

Totally agree CG.

We will definitely win this game but we have to play smart.

Ok Im out for a little bit. I am crawling up the walls waiting for this game.

C U guys in a bit.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[RandyCane]

Not many folks paying attention to this game but would like to see NC State bow up and beat UNC. They (NC St.) are at home and they did beat Pitt earlier this year in Raleigh. It would help with our bowl standing.

[RandyCane]

I/m hearing vs Tenn. in Music City?

[RandyCane]

If South Carolina can hang one on Clemson that will help us as well. They are up 14-7 in second qtr.

[DATcane]

http://www.allcanesblog.com/

U

[Loco]

Not many folks paying attention to this game but would like to see NC State bow up and beat UNC. They (NC St.) are at home and they did beat Pitt earlier this year in Raleigh. It would help with our bowl standing.

Posted by: RandyCane | November 28, 2009 at 12:41 PM

You've got it completely backwards. We need the teams that beat us to win and look good, so we don't look so bad for losing. Clemson needs to man up and win, and so does UNC

[DATcane]

what Loco said

[DZ8]

I think its got something to do with our strentgth of schedule against teams we've beaten. It doesn't matter who we lose to, it matters who we beat. Go Georgia Tech. I think.

[Loco - for holiday gifts look at www.cutco.com then email me at tjl516@aol.com]

my mistake, i didnt realize their records were the same as ours. You're right randy, we need them both to lose, and for clemson to lose the ACC championship game too

[Loco - looking for quality christmas gifts? check out www.cutco.com and then email me at tjl516@aol.com]

especially because unc is playing an ACC game, and the bowls generally take based on ACC standing

[Loco - for holiday gifts look at www.cutco.com then email me at tjl516@aol.com]

can somebody explain to me how Tebow can be "considered the winningest quarterback in modern day college football history" when Ken Dorsey went 38-2 (Tebows 33-5 before today) as a starting quarterback, with one of Dorsey's losses being on a BS PI call?

[j.w.]

loco- it's the flavor of the day theory. ESPN and everyone else is going ga-ga over Tebag, but in a few years and the emotions settle everyone outside of Gainesville will realize KD was the best of all time. With Walsh standing next to him.

[Hurriphin]

Hurri'....the U.

Till we see you again #1, #26, #36, and #21.

[miamimike01]

my mistake, i didnt realize their records were the same as ours. You're right randy, we need them both to lose, and for clemson to lose the ACC championship game too

Posted by: Loco - for holiday gifts look at www.cutco.com then email me at tjl516@aol.com | November 28, 2009 at 01:28 PM

especially because unc is playing an ACC game, and the bowls generally take based on ACC standing.

Loco,

Generally, but not really. How do you explain a 6-6 Clemson team going the Gator Bowl a few years ago? Why do you think the ACC lost the Gator Bowl tie-in? B/C the ACC is going to START (next season) awarding bowl games slots to the order you finish in the conference.

This year, after the BCS team is selected, the bowl games can choose anyone they want.

(in order):

1) BCS
2) Chick-Fil-A
3) Gator
4) Champs Sports
5) Music City
6) Meineke Car Care
7) Emerald Bowl
8) EagleBank
9) GMAC

ACC picks up the Sun and Independence Bowl next season, while losing the Gator. Not a fair trade, IMO.

NEXT SEASON:

1) BCS
2) Chick-Fil-A
3) Champs Sports
4) Sun (could receive ACC Title Game Runner-up)
5) Meineke Car Care
6) Music City
7) Independence
8) EagleBank
9) Emerald

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Count the hardware, the two NC's, plus another, and the Heisman, plus another, separates Tebow and Dorsey.

[shwarma]

OGV very good point. We will only have ton endure this talk for another month or so and then it will be done forever.

[Cat 5 Cane]

Game day ....C A N E S !!!

[DATcane]

Headed to the bar....go Canes!! f@ck ufag

[Cat 5 Cane]

alright, I have been worrying all week ... The what ifs...Jacory screws up, OL, DL DB's safety's, WR's, LB's TE's... SCREW IT !

Now it's game day and we need to stop thinking so much and get into the fuc-it mode. Time to start barking and biting anything that's not Canes.

Time to kick some USF azz!

Beer here!

[Cat 5 Cane]

Canes Attitude... Kiss My AZZ

[UMike]

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

[miamimike01]

27-10, USC over Clemson, 5:22 to go...

... Brings Clemson back to the pack if they don't upset GT next weekend

[mi@mic@ne]

Looks like Butch is going down to NCState

[Canez1]

Fox is not even dressed.

Time for the youngins to step up and lock it down.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[mi@mic@ne]

Carolina throws the pick game over NCst wins

[miamimike01]

NC ST 28
UNC 27

We finish ahead of UNC in the Coastal. Also makes UNC less attractive to be picked in front of UM. Bowl positioning, my friends

GO CANES!

[mi@mic@ne]

This is one of those games for us.. clock is ticking.

[Canez1]

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c133/canesfan731/Unnamed.jpg

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[shwarma]

Canez time for Washington and Jones to step up. Also, Whipple needs to be smart with his first half playcalling as this game will be all about momentum. Here's to also getting some great special teams today.

[Loco - looking for quality christmas gifts? check out www.cutco.com and then email me at tjl516@aol.com]

I also dont understand why they call Bob Stoops big game bob. unless they are making fun of him (which i doubt). Because if I remember correctly he has difficulty winning the big(bcs) games

[Canez1]

Shwarm I agree.

The coaches are going to earn their money today.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[miamimike01]

don't turn it over, contain Daniels, weather the first wave of emotion, don't get caught on trick plays

[Loco - for holiday gifts look at www.cutco.com then email me at tjl516@aol.com]

Let's Go Canes!

Here's to not having to hear it from my friends at USF that they were even able to stay close

[Loco - looking for quality christmas gifts? check out www.cutco.com and then email me at tjl516@aol.com]

This is the second game in a row today where somebody did anything with their arms and a "fair-catch" was called. That rule needs to change

[Canez1]

What in the F was that???

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[mi@mic@ne]

they took a touch from us... gezzzzzzzzzz

[Loco - looking for quality christmas gifts? check out www.cutco.com and then email me at tjl516@aol.com]

tervaris johnson, well played

[mi@mic@ne]

we look a lot bigger int these unis