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

[CGNC]

Canez1 - you going to whatever bowl they land in?

[Cat 5 Cane]

AZZZZHOLE...LOL

[Old Skool]

Dang I was hoping we'd let em bleed out. But Randy gave them a tourniquet and sent AJ in for mop up

[mi@mic@ne]

I just hope this dominating performance and the FSwho loss to these guys .. will show the recruits that we are not the same team as when we dropped a couple of games. We have improved ... its all good for the Canes.

[AngryCane]

"Would like to get ND in the bowl game..."

Posted by: CGNC | November 28, 2009 at 06:44 PM

I've been calling it all season, and really think the TV Guru's will be pushing for it as well.

Think it about it:

Catholics vs. Convicts
Weis' last game

VAULT IT

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Looking at the box score, FSU didn't play too poorly. They had 18 1st downs to UF's 22. The killer was 3rd down. FSU was 2-11 and UF was 10-13.

But the BIG difference was rushing. UF ran for 311 yards. Mickey's seen this offense for four or five years now. He needs to go, esp. after watching the way ARK and MISS ST neutralized them.

TX and Bama can beat these boys. Check the leading receivers. TWO TEs. Hernandex and Cooper. WTF is that? hahaha

[Hurriphin]

If not for Coop's heave, B-Harris' rubber hands, some bogus illegal motion on the big deep ball for Byrd, and no Berry on that last FG drive, this game is easily 49-10 UM.

Awesome job today. NO INT'S FROM #12, AND IT'S EASY EVERY TIME!!!!!

[Old Skool]

Don't know if anyone reported it but Fox had an irregular heartbeat. According to Joe Zagacki he might not be back for a bowl game either.

[Canez1]

CG thats the plan.

I am hoping it lands in Orlando. This way we can make a little vaca out of it.

Depends on where we end up.

I have been planning on going tho if we won today.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Old Skool, haha, that's good, that's good.

Mi@, it's all VERY good for the U.

LAMARCUS JOYNER, COME ON HOME!!

[CGNC]

Canes

[moneycane]

That sux about Fox. I know it had to be something serious for him to lose his start streak. Get well soon big fella. Some things are more important than football

[Canez1]

I spent about 15K this weekend on shyte for the new house and I havent even started xmas shopping!!! LOL

Whats another grand or two for my Canez! lol

They deserve my support.

Now no Canez for a month. Not sure what I am going to do. :(

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[CGNC]

Angry - LOL we were all doing our Angry impressions on here - for no reason they switched coverage to the Mizzou game in the 4th quarter!

[Canez1]

This Mizzou game is F' nuts!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Canez1]

I would travel to the North Pole for the bowl game if it was against ND Angry.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[ronnie]

very nice tribute to sean. we will never forget you. . .

[Canez1]

Very proud of our boyz today.

Complete dominance for most of the game.

THAT is what we are capable of when we play like a team.

Coaches and players deserve props.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[mi@mic@ne]

We start a new streak of 58 with our new unis.

[Cat 5 Cane]

Oh come on, was just having fun, thinking of the falker movie... peace
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

best win for the last game!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Later

[UMike]

9-3...loving in..easily a few plays from 11-1..or perhaps a few injuries away from 11-1..the Cane future is bright my friends..very bright

[Canez1]

Greg Dent

How you feelin now peckerhead???

Great move my man!! LOL

Fukkkin crackhead!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[moneycane]

If you had to compare this current Canes squad to one from this past which one would you say. I say this team is a version of the 1999 Canes Squad.

[moneycane]

I think I just heard it all. TCU is a good team but to say that FLA, AL, or Texas wouldn't dominate the Mountain West. WTF

[canechic]

Tim Tebow runs out all the field with flowers? Oh my goodness

[solarcane]

hi canechic,
I think every senior runs out on the field with flowers for their mom on senior day, I think its college tradition, now if he gave them to Meyer that would be sad.

cool win huh?

peace

[AngryCane]

CG...

Switched the game in the 4th quarter??

I'd be going F-ING NUTZ!!! That's as bad as the "Little Heidi Game" in the NFL back in the 70's!

Listening to WQAM & they're calling for The U to stay in-state up in Jax for the Gator Bowl, or the Champs here in Orlando.

No ChickFilet Bowl 'cause Ga Tech will most likely get that game. I think with the economy the way it is, the low-key bowl games will be looking to "local" talent to get butts in the seats.

[solarcane]

mi@mi,

I think all those unis get auctioned off for charity, I'm pretty sure they were a one game deal.
but we are undefeated wearing them!!

peace

[bhamcanesfan]

Go Canes!

[canechic]

I do not recall that the canes do that? Are you sure it is not just a southern thing?

[Hurriphin]

Way for a pair of seniors, Epps & James to get in the end-zone.

Seriously, Cory' may wanna see about getting his arm looked at during the off'. His right wing might be ready to fall off after the bowl game!! And he wasn't lying either. That Bull did try and put him in the chicken wing!!

Six is gonna be salty!!

[miamimike01]

K.Webster,

You come to Miami or you get beat by Miami!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend son, you got punked.

[Hurriphin]

Not one team who wore those Combat dealies, lost their respective game in it.

(Pending LSU's victory)

GO NIKE!!!!!

[bhamcanesfan]

LSU is up 17-3. I say we keep the nike pro combat. Berry looked like Adrian Peterson in that commercial!

[canechic]

Check out this deal:

http://www.gatorbowl.com/score4.html

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Greg Dent

How you feelin now peckerhead???

Great move my man!! LOL

Fukkkin crackhead!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

Posted by: Canez1 | November 28, 2009 at 07:21 PM

>>>>>

LMAO!!! Only Canez and CoCane can say things like this and get away with it. LOL!

[darCANEgel]

At the airport - heading back to the cold. Just one more time to all the haters: y'all really don't get it. Tremendous effort today and thruout. Overall a fabulous season. Once again, 86 - thanks for all the - I won't say hard but long hours of - good work. Go Canes. GO CANES --- hoo hoo hoo - GO CANES! BTW, another commit w/n past 48. So friggin happy w/ team...knowing we can get better. Si se puede!

CANES, baaby!

[phillyscott]

ST was definitely one of the all time greats, and like Jerome Brown, Pata and others, taken from us way too soon

[Hurriphin]

Someone said this around the time I first started cruising the Space', and I'll repeat it..........

"When we wear all white, we look like little bolts of lightning streaking across the field."

Those kids almost looked like a real Cane Def. out there. My led' McCarthy showed his azz again today.

[86Cane]

Just back from the game. Did I miss anything?

[RBLCane]

Awesome win today!!! GO CANES!!!

2009 Canes = 1999 Canes, which means next year will be a HUGE year!!!

I knew this Miami team wouldn't lose against USF if they kept the mistakes to a minimum and just executed. We're TOO TALENTED to lose against USF. No INTs, no lost fumbles, no clock mismanagement, good coverage by the secondary forcing USF to become a one-dimensional team, no throwing deep prematurely, no throwing on every down either... EVERYTHING was clicking for us today! PLUS, GIVING THE BALL EARLY TO BERRY!!! Great job by Randy and the coaching staff!

Berry and Coop in 2010!!! Mike James and Lamar Miller too but mostly Berry and Coop. Chambers will probably transfer IMO, though you can't blame him since we're just too deep at RB. Hopefully no WRs transfer now that Hank is coming back but I wouldn't be surprised if we lost one. If the O-Line is kicking 2010, we'll definitely be a BCS bowl team, maybe even in the NC game against LSU or Bama, especially if C-Mac returns.

Enjoy your victory Canes! Rest up and recover for our bowl game.

THIS PROGRAM HAS TURNED THE CORNER! NC'S ARE ON THE WAY! RANDY WAS AND IS THE ANSWER AND WILL BE OUR HC FOR A LONG TIME.

IT'S GREAT TO BE A MIAMI HURRICANE!!!

G O - C A N E S ! ! !

[phillyscott]

I was very happy with the game today, new uni's or not....ugly as hell, but if they play like that in them, who cares?

that is the way to shut a loudmouth chiuaua of a team up...one who THINKS they are playing with big boys....take ball and run it down their "all american" DE's throats....

and #11 got in on 3 plays, made 2 tackles!

[canechic]

All positive today 86 except for the one drive....Canes played brilliant! I will take Randy over Leavitt (not sure of the spelling) any day!

[Hurriphin]

Some of the USF'ers are complaining about cane fans celebrating like they just beat a national contender.

So now all the sudden, they arent a worthy challenge???

Go jump off a cliff!!

Better yet, STICK YO' SELF TONY!!!

STICK YO' SELF!!!

Canez1 probaly knows where I'm going with that one!! Ha Ha!

[canechic]

Six must be smiling very large!

[86Cane]

K.Webster,

You come to Miami or you get beat by Miami!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend son, you got punked.

Posted by: miamimike01 | November 28, 2009 at 08:02 PM

WELL SAID YOUNG MAN, WELL SAID!

[canechic]

Hurriphin the UCF fans did the same thing.

[Hurriphin]

Just back from the game. Did I miss anything?

Posted by: 86Cane | November 28, 2009 at 08:26 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!!"

[raizecane]

The only thing about the game that I am dissapointed about was not seeing Jim Leavitt blow a head gasket. He is ususally good for 2 or 3 a game.

[86Cane]

Six must be smiling very large!

Posted by: canechic | November 28, 2009 at 08:32 PM

We saw Six at Selmon's before the game. The guy was amped up!

Mrs. 86 was giving him the what for about the Canes, the Rays, the Bucs.

Six is a good guy, funny, charming, and smart. Canespacer 4 life!