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.
Yeah Canechic. I KNOW USF has more ability than what they showed. That's just a sucker swag, cop-out.
Posted by: Hurriphin | November 28, 2009 at 08:37 PM
Yeah, they said that some round-headed Cane fan had to be police escorted from RayJay, after striking a USF fan who constantly was shouting, "Down in front man!! Down in front!!"
Posted by: Hurriphin | November 28, 2009 at 08:34 PM
They didn't kick me out. They just made me move to the last row. NBD
Posted by: 86Cane | November 28, 2009 at 08:38 PM
I know Hurriphin it is a huge cop out!
Go Canes!
Posted by: canechic | November 28, 2009 at 08:38 PM
I'm happy that we got 9 wins and are on the verge of capping a 10-win season. I'm happy about the progress we've made.
Think about where we were when we "upset" that Nevada team at the MPC Bowl, when Calais Campbell and Kenny Phillips were our most impressive "playmakers" and Chavez Grant was supposed to be the next big deal. Think about where we were when we lost 48-0 against UVA at our last game in the OB.
We've came a long way since then and are on our way to bigger and better things. No team in the ACC recruits like Miami so there's no reason we can't start winning the ACC (assuming our coaches keep maturing and headed in the right direction). And more wins will continue to bring in top recruiting classes, making the job of our learning-on-the-job coaching staff even better.
We've turned the corner people, and IT FEELS FREEGING GOOD!!!
GO CANES!!!
BTW did anyone recently commit to the Canes? I must have missed that. Can anybody confirm? TIA!
Posted by: RBLCane | November 28, 2009 at 08:43 PM
CFSIC - I say we turn the corner when we win the bowl game against a good (or depending on who we play not so good) opponent. Ten wins is a key mark. The thing I was happiest about today was the OL play. I think that we should be fine as anyone who replaces Pipho will be no worse and BWash and Franklin showed they could have the left side locked down.
If Jacory is protected, Jacory could be a serious threat for 3500 yards and a trip to New York with the receivers we will have.
Posted by: shwarma | November 28, 2009 at 08:50 PM
Nesbitt possible high ankle sprain looks like he coudl be out for the game. ACC needs this win as Georgia has been subpar this year.
Posted by: shwarma | November 28, 2009 at 08:54 PM
Those Tenn uni's are NOT easy on the eyes!
Posted by: canechic | November 28, 2009 at 08:55 PM
shwarma..you add in all the healthy D players coming back..were a BCS team or a NT team..IMO
Posted by: UMike | November 28, 2009 at 08:56 PM
This is what Manny said before the game:
Preview: Not having left tackle Jason Fox could mean big problems for the Canes especially against a USF defense that has two stud defensive ends in George Selvie and Jason Pierre-Paul. Orlando Franklin will slide over and start at left tackle and freshman Brandon Washington will get the head nod at left guard. In a way, this game will provide us a good glimpse of what UM could look like up front next year. The Bulls, hungry to make a statement with a sweep of the Noles and Canes, figure to play with plenty of emotion. I'm just having a hard time seeing Miami pulling this one out unless the defense plays above its head. USF 31, UM 24.
REALLY?????
Posted by: canechic | November 28, 2009 at 08:59 PM
BG good to gear from you.
What happens if GT loses?
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | November 28, 2009 at 09:00 PM
CC, who wrote that?
Solar, Richt might save his job tonight.
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | November 28, 2009 at 09:04 PM
CaV Manny Navarro from his blog! Insane!
He is still apologizing!
Posted by: canechic | November 28, 2009 at 09:05 PM
Manny's forever banned as a punk who knows nothing about the Canes. Pathetic. I'll never let him forget it.
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | November 28, 2009 at 09:08 PM
Capt O - You need to chill, man made a call with his head, that's all. We all know he's a true Canes fan. Im out for the night.
Posted by: shwarma | November 28, 2009 at 09:11 PM
Effin Richt. How many times do I have to tell you to go playaction on FIRST DOWN!!!!!
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | November 28, 2009 at 09:13 PM
Shwarm, he's been doing thi shyt all season long. His dam job is to know something about football and he's constantly grading the team and players.
Clearly he doesn't know any more than you below average arm chair Internet blogger.
And I'm going to tell him this on his blob. He needs to stick to interviews and quotes. Or better yet, just upload the audio interviews. We really don't need anything else from him.
We have better football analysis here, by far, without the annoying grades.
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | November 28, 2009 at 09:20 PM
Is it just me, or does Orlando Franklin look like KRS-1. And who was that John Legend lookin' dude ABC showed a shot of talking to JH on the sideline, I'm tellin' ya'll, that was John Legend man...
Posted by: CaneRock | November 28, 2009 at 09:25 PM
Like I said before, I know we're suppossed to hate Notre Dame, but I love to watch that Golden Tate kid.
Damnit he plays ball.
I hope the Dolphins are scouting.
Posted by: Hurriphin | November 28, 2009 at 09:28 PM
Canes took over the field of play tonight!
Canes fans took over Raymond James Stadium!
Way to represent, it felt like OUR home field!
Go Canes!!!
Posted by: NativeCane | November 28, 2009 at 09:28 PM
468
Posted by: 86Cane | November 28, 2009 at 09:28 PM
canechic,
could be a southern thing,I saw it on a lot of ACC senior day highlights.
CaptO,
yea Georgia is looking good running the ball, i hopehey start passing so you can see how shyty their QB is.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | November 28, 2009 at 09:29 PM
Canes fans took over Raymond James Stadium!
Way to represent, it felt like OUR home field!
Go Canes!!!
Posted by: NativeCane | November 28, 2009 at 09:28 PM
IT SURE DID!
Posted by: 86Cane | November 28, 2009 at 09:29 PM
Manny's alright. He initially predicted Miami would win 31-24. Thing is, the last three times he said the Canes would win a close game the Canes lost. So he second-guessed himself and Canes won big.
These Canes are hard to predict. They have the talent to be a top 10 team but have made mistakes all year. When they execute, they're really hard to beat (like today and versus GT). But when they don't show up, they let opponents hang around or they don't show up the first half and it pretty much becomes a coin toss at that point.
GO CANES!
Posted by: RBLCane | November 28, 2009 at 09:32 PM
Finally, I do not have to hear the BS about south Florida
Posted by: CaniaK aka True Canes | November 28, 2009 at 09:34 PM
Also, Randy's two previous teams collapsed at the end of the year, and Manny has written about the frequently. He may have thought this year was the same and factored that into the equation.
But that's ANOTHER sign of improvement--we're winning games and we're winning them late in the season!
BRING ON THE BOWL GAME!!!
GO CANES!!!
Posted by: RBLCane | November 28, 2009 at 09:36 PM
Of the 3 losses that Miami had this season, how many of those could've been wins if Berry starts the game? He reminds me a lot of Marion Barber. I'm tellin' you, that guy just sets the tone for the team, He's like a load of knuckles when He's totin' that rock...just totally demoralized USF today...
Posted by: CaneRock | November 28, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Ga tech needs to win this game. And that will help
Posted by: Loco - looking for quality christmas gifts? check out www.cutco.com and then email me at tjl516@aol.com | November 28, 2009 at 09:57 PM
Finally, I do not have to hear the BS about south Florida
Posted by: CaniaK aka True Canes | November 28, 2009 at 09:34 PM
I agree. A friend of mine called me before the game telling me he would be calling me after they beat us to rub it in. All I got after was a text saying "Muck Fiami"
Posted by: Loco - for holiday gifts look at www.cutco.com then email me at tjl516@aol.com | November 28, 2009 at 09:59 PM
479
Posted by: 86Cane | November 28, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Loco, I got the same call and text too dude. I guess all the USF people get their text from the collective.
Posted by: CaniaK aka True Canes | November 28, 2009 at 10:04 PM
GA Tech defense looks like it didn't show up.
I hate this conference.
GO CANES!
Posted by: RBLCane | November 28, 2009 at 10:04 PM
as i was watching the game today...they showed jordan futch on the sidelines...he was showing his T underneath his jersey..I COULD HAVE SWORN IT WAS A R.I.P. SEAN TAYLOR SHIRT FROM CANESPACE...if this was mentioned earlier in blog i apologize...
I wish we played USC in a bowl game
Posted by: Drtycane | November 28, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Anyone want to lease an outdoor sign in Tampa
Miami mojo
The Bulls are 10-2 against teams from the state of Florida, with both those losses against Miami.
It was Tampa's version of the running of the Bulls today. And the runners won.
Posted by: Old Skool | November 28, 2009 at 10:35 PM
Sum one asked earlier wat j12 had on his eye black it was "RIP ST26" I believe
Posted by: Nashvillecane | November 28, 2009 at 10:36 PM
it was r.i.p. st#26
Posted by: Drtycane | November 28, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Like I said before, I know we're suppossed to hate Notre Dame, but I love to watch that Golden Tate kid.
Damnit he plays ball.
I hope the Dolphins are scouting.
Posted by: Hurriphin | November 28, 2009 at 09:28 PM
Yeah I like Tate too...played hs ball bout 30 min frow where I live...he's the best wr in college and maybe the best fb player too...imo...built alot like pimp but faster
Posted by: Nashvillecane | November 28, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Tate right on que
Posted by: Nashvillecane | November 28, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Just got home! I had an awesome time at the game. The 'canes opening drive pretty much shut the crowd up from the start. You knew right away that it was USF that had to keep up with UM and not the other way around.
I still hate it when Whip throws on 1st down. Jacory should be forbidden from throwing on 1st or second down unless the play breaks down. There is no reason to throw much once UM establishes the run.
Anyway it was a great win, and a great way to get ready for their bowl game. These kid's deserve a week (or two) OFF!!!!
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | November 28, 2009 at 10:43 PM
Gotta give the coaching staff led by randy shannon their proprs for preparing the team for this game. The biggest thing i was looking for this week, has the team taken n randy's mentality, tonight, they showed that on both sides of the ball, they came out, executed on the 1st drive, the defense has actually been getting better and better as the year has gone on.
We're playing down hill defense and i liek how in 2nd or 3rd and long, we came after bj daniels, and didn't let him sit back their. Here's the real deal and truth about this team, 1st thing is staying healthy, if this team does that, and train just a little bit harder than they did this year, this is a a national championship team we looking at right now.
I gotta talk about berry, the way berry runs, he actually is forcing cooper to run harder as well, berry's running style has benefited baby j abd coop. Come next year though, it's going to be real hard to be the starting runningback, if damien berry gets his pass blocking down, he's the starter.
cookie buchanon showed his speed an athleticism today, i missed when arthur brown got in the game, but it's going to be a fun time come next spring, spots are up for grabs. People can call aldarius johnson slow if they want to, but the man makes plays. hankerson set the tone and teams are going to pay leaving hankerson in single coverage.
Posted by: Calvin | November 28, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Gotta give the coaching staff led by randy shannon their proprs for preparing the team for this game. The biggest thing i was looking for this week, has the team taken n randy's mentality, tonight, they showed that on both sides of the ball, they came out, executed on the 1st drive, the defense has actually been getting better and better as the year has gone on.
We're playing down hill defense and i liek how in 2nd or 3rd and long, we came after bj daniels, and didn't let him sit back their. Here's the real deal and truth about this team, 1st thing is staying healthy, if this team does that, and train just a little bit harder than they did this year, this is a a national championship team we looking at right now.
I gotta talk about berry, the way berry runs, he actually is forcing cooper to run harder as well, berry's running style has benefited baby j abd coop. Come next year though, it's going to be real hard to be the starting runningback, if damien berry gets his pass blocking down, he's the starter.
cookie buchanon showed his speed an athleticism today, i missed when arthur brown got in the game, but it's going to be a fun time come next spring, spots are up for grabs. People can call aldarius johnson slow if they want to, but the man makes plays. hankerson set the tone and teams are going to pay leaving hankerson in single coverage.
Posted by: Calvin | November 28, 2009 at 10:54 PM
. . .
Posted by: j.w. | November 28, 2009 at 11:07 PM
NEW BLOG IS UP!
Posted by: 86Cane | November 28, 2009 at 11:10 PM
26
Posted by: DZ8 | November 28, 2009 at 11:44 PM
U!
Posted by: CaneWarrior | November 29, 2009 at 03:51 AM
Canes
Posted by: CGNC | November 29, 2009 at 11:08 AM
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