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

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

That's my boy Damien!

[DZ8]

#20!

[DZ8]

!

[Canez1]

Lookin good lookin good!!

We needed to come out strong.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[mi@mic@ne]

we are clearly the better team... just need to bring it all four qs

[DZ8]

Keep it up and step on their throats!

[canechic]

U guys I really like these uni's!

[DZ8]

Keep it up...
Step on their throats!
Male comments

U guys I really like these uni's!

Posted by: canechic | November 28, 2009 at 03:49 PM

[mi@mic@ne]

are they see through or something i do n t know i didnt notice

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

U guys I really like these uni's!

Posted by: canechic | November 28, 2009 at 03:49 PM

I would love to see the unis in green and/or orange...

And keep up the D canes!

[mi@mic@ne]

extremely white.

[Canez1]

Im with ya CC.

I really like them.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[mi@mic@ne]

these announcers are just unbelievably sarcastic towards the U

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

these announcers are terrible....

It wasn't dropped by the receiver, DVD spiked it down.

And they were talking about FSU's d? FSU's D is ONE OF THE WORST IN CFB this year

And Jared Campbell looked so confused when Shannon was talking to him

[moneycane]

Love the new uni's. Loving the start of the game better.

GO CANES

[BahamaCane]

What did i miss so far?

[mi@mic@ne]

i think the women like them cause you can see the muschles much better then the old ones. Its time for a runway show. hehe

[DZ8]

LOL canechic, I like them too!

they weigh negative weight mi@mic@ne! they help us run faster!

[mi@mic@ne]

I was hoping that everything would go wrong for them today.. we havent had it for a long time

[DZ8]

Doesn't Leavitt really shine in these bigger games?

[Canez1]

Brandon Washington is going to be an animal.

Kid is a giant with a bad attitude.

I love it!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[CA Cane Fan]

RIP ST 26. I still bring my signed Taylor U hat out every FSU game so he can watch in spirit.

Does anyone know anywhere on the web to watch the game??? ESPN isn't showing the game here in California...

[BahamaCane]

Miami is really running the ball well. Play action should be there for JH!

[BahamaCane]

JH just got the crap knocked out of him!

[mi@mic@ne]

the o line needs to show up these guys are small and fast

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

Does anyone know anywhere on the web to watch the game??? ESPN isn't showing the game here in California...

Posted by: CA Cane Fan | November 28, 2009 at 04:00 PM

Try ABC

[mi@mic@ne]

berrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

[BahamaCane]

BERRRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYYY

[Canez1]

Berry is filthy!!

Looking forward to seeing this kid get some more carries next year.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[shwarma]

Berry man he just blew that guy up

[moneycane]

Coop just danced his way to the bench.

Berry just rocked some ones noggin

[mi@mic@ne]

we need to run berry ... already maybe two touches.

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

our team has the dropsies... We should be up at least 2 if not going on 3 scores by now..

[shwarma]

WE NEED TO EXECUTE! THREE PLAYS THAT WERE CORRECTLY CALLED BUT THE PLAYERS DROPPED THE BALL

[miamimike01]

didn't execute that drive

[mi@mic@ne]

got to show up for all four quarters a waste.. we need to play like we can .. not like a college team.

[shwarma]

Whipple is calling a good game thus far. Just need to keep up the intensity.

[Lurker]

Lost opportunities on that drive

[CGNC]

cannot believe it - I am stuck with Noles and Turds or Virginia v. Virginia Tech. UGH. Gonna try Justin TV

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

nice play by sharpton!

[mi@mic@ne]

thats what i am talkin about

[mi@mic@ne]

These announcers suck

[mi@mic@ne]

it was coming out

[shwarma]

Sharpton with the play! I have to admit I was worried about him this game but plays like that and I will gladly recruit crow

[Lurker]

That f**kking commentator says he was down. NO WAY. He also said Hankerson was bobbling on the TD.

It's an anti-Cane conspiracy I tell you.

[mi@mic@ne]

we are kicking their a zzzzzzzzz and they are treating us like dirt.

[shwarma]

Jacory showed nice pocket presence there. Keep the pedal to the medal Randy. This is a statement game. PERIOD!

[Canez1]

Sharp bytchez!!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[CGNC]

Here is the link

http://www.justin.tv/patwhitedaking?publisher_guard=

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

Is it just me or do the gayturds look gayer than usual today in those jerseys?