The Birth Of A Man And A Miracle

Every year in April and again in November, in honor of Sean Taylor's birth and tragic death, Canespace will dedicate a memorial feature 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, 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 this team and its fans in his home town.

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

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 had already become a hometown hero and would soon become a true legend in the 305.

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 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.  Nicknamed "Meast" by teammates for being part man, part beast, Sean would become one of the most feared hitters in the NFL.

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.

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 of beating the other team all by himself.

Comments

[nemo2002]

1st

[laquinton]

Ri Sean. Sooo sad when my dad woke me up telling me you had passed. Still watch your highlights when im at work. At 24 you were a great father and final player. Rip

[coldcane]

RIP mon frere

[Terrance Sullivan]

RIP Sean Taylor. One of the all time greats at the U.

[Account Deleted]

I'll take the 5 spot thank you

[Anthonyjmanis]

That was one of my all-time favorite games. games. Although it was a party hosted by a CANE we were out numbered 5-1 easily. I'd guess it was over 50 people and three tvs. I had on a homemade shirt that read Hurricane Ant coming thru on the front and on the back "Don't start no $hit won't be no $hit". Thanks #26. Thanks Chris Pix. That was my first game my semen holes friends got me to watch with them.

[Canesteeler]

My girlfriend's sister was Sean's step mother. We had taken my son to Pittsburgh to attend a Steeler and Dolphins game. After the game my girlfriend received a call from her sister saying Sean had been shot and they did not know how serious it was. The following morning at around 6 AM we were driving to the Pittsburgh airport when my girlfriend received the call stating Sean had died. It is something I will always remember. We attended the viewing of Sean's body and as we were driving from Pedro Taylor's home to the viewing, the streets were lined with folks of all colors and nationalities paying their last respects. We did not attend the funeral because my girlfriend would have become too emotional.

[SOUP]

Well, well, well...look who I found:

http://www.packers.com/team/staff/glenn-cook/ff99403f-35ca-46f3-9371-c42b72fa6675

[Sarasota 'cane]

I remember looking for info on what happened the same day it it had been reported and I came across an op-ed piece from some idiotic reporter calling on UM to shut down the program in light of the most recent tragedy!

I couldn't believe what I was reading at the time. Sean was murdered defending his wife and child while home sick from the NFL and this guy was trying to tie the whole mess back to UM. It was then that "UM against the world" became more than just a slogan.

One of my favorite Sean T moments was when he knocked the dude from I think the Titans on his azz in the Pro Bowl! Everyone looked at Sean like daymn dude, this is just an exhibition! Sean was not programmed to let a clean hit slip by without a violent reaction! He was one of a kind!

R.I.P. Sean T

Go 'canes!

[TLuv]

RIP Sean T....you were the greatest. There will never be another like you.

[CGNC]

Posted by: Canesteeler | April 01, 2013 at 09:20 PM

I remember you saying something about that. I watched the memorial service online. I don't know if many of you know this, but we sent a printout of blog comments and well wishes to his family via his attorney, Dick Sharpstein

[Hassan]

I wonder how big his lil girl looks now. I think his baby momma is with a rapper now, no lie.

[HawaiiCane]

She married Shay of N.E.R.D., Pharrell William's rap/rock group.

[TJL]

Well, well, well...look who I found:

http://www.packers.com/team/staff/glenn-cook/ff99403f-35ca-46f3-9371-c42b72fa6675

Posted by: SOUP |

At least as a scout he won't have to take off his shirt!!

[CaneRock]

WOW!
I just that Kevin Ware injury.
WTF!, and HTF! did that happen.
Besides dying on the field of play, that has to be the most ill timed, and gruesome injury I've ever seen in sports.

[Ohio_Cane]

KC McDermott announcing at 2pm today. Be here.

Yes, it's been widely reported by many that he already picked Canes, but parents wouldn't confirm. More than 3 sources say it's only so he can have the spotlight for this one day.

Both Canes and ND coaches know his decision, and have been told to not try to recruit him anymore because he's shutting it down for good.

[nemo2002]

Will do!

[UpNorthCane27]

RIP Sean Taylor, my favorite football player of all time, till this day I get choked up knowing he's gone. Sean was a rare breed on the field and had turned the corner as a person when his life was cut short.... In a short period of time in my eyes Sean Taylor was and is the greatest safety of all time.

[Pre83]

Well, well, well...look who I found:

http://www.packers.com/team/staff/glenn-cook/ff99403f-35ca-46f3-9371-c42b72fa6675

I guess Spring Training with the Cubbies didn't go so well LOL!

In all seriousness, I wish him all the best.

Good find Soup!

[Pre83]

ST - to this day, it really is still difficult to digest.

I told my wife less than just two months before he was shot that by the time he is finished playing, he will be one of the greatest, if not the greatest of all time.

For me, he is. Maybe the greatest natural FB player to buckle a chin strap.

[SOUP]

Maybe the greatest natural FB player to buckle a chin strap.

Posted by: Pre83 | April 02, 2013 at 09:51 AM

There IT is right there.

[Canesfan_1]

Well, well, well...look who I found:

http://www.packers.com/team/staff/glenn-cook/ff99403f-35ca-46f3-9371-c42b72fa6675

Posted by: SOUP |

At least as a scout he won't have to take off his shirt!!

Posted by: TJL | April 02, 2013 at 06:47 AM

Yuk yuk

Better still, at least we don't have to see bloggers with their shirts off either.

[Ohio_Cane]

Someone on here posted a while ago about Pitt's RB taking a break from football. Well, it just got worse for Pitt. He's transferring.

http://www.pittsburghsportingnews.com/rushel-shell-to-transfer-from-pitt/?fb_comment_id=fbc_160579367438134_386863_160580260771378

[86Cane]

Click here, watch this:

http://umfullspeedahead.com/

[86Cane]

Jay Bilas ‏@JayBilas

Just read UM's Motion to Dismiss. Emmert was "walled off" from UM investigation, knew nothing? Yet, he can make specific public statements?

[CaneRock]

Maybe the greatest natural FB player to buckle a chin strap.

Posted by: Pre83 | April 02, 2013 at 09:51 AM

There IT is right there.

Posted by: SOUP | April 02, 2013 at 10:00 AM

There IT is right there...+2!
Sean Taylor!, the original DON DADA!
Sean Taylor, the original ERASER!
Sean Taylor!, the original QUABRID, a quantum mix of SS,FS,CB, and OLB!
Sean Taylor!, the original Nick Saban NOCTURNAL EMISSION!
Sean Taylor, the REALEST HURRICANE!...RIP!

[Pre83]

Church, CR!! /\/\/\

[Pre83]

A bit off topic, but is it just coincidence that 2 more Butch Davis recruits will most likely be drafted in the 1st round of the NFL Draft???

[herbieibis]

We've had no equal to him since he left. The son of a gun would absolutely bring the wood on your azz. He played the secondary like Ray played LB. He started off on the wrong foot in the pros but boy did he more than make up for it. In the Herb's honest opinion, nobody should ever wear that # again.

[j.w.]

Thanks, supo- always bittersweet reading about 26.

[j.w.]

damn, need cafffeine Soup/Supo. Battling a virtual epidemic of kid illnesses the last few days.

[86Cane]

Manny Navarro ‏@Manny_Navarro

Al Golden said DE Dyron Dye has an Achilles injury. Didn't rule him out for season #UM

[86Cane]

Chris Yandle ‏@ChrisYandle

WR Malcolm Lewis talks to the media after Tuesday's practice. Lewis says he's feeling good, ahead of schedule.

[86Cane]

Jeff Greer ‏@jeffgreer

I'll be at Palm Beach Central in an hour for heralded 2014 OL Kc McDermott's official choice of the #canes or #NotreDame...Expecting UM.

[86Cane]

Jorge Milian ‏@caneswatch

Antrel Rolle and Greg Olsen (with little brother and UM signee Kevin) attended practice today.

[UpNorthCane27]

How lucky is kevin Olsen attending practice with not only his brother but Antrel Rolle? lol that kid is golden man

[LB]

Yay for Malcolm Lewis!

From what I understand, McDermott is shutting down recruiting after the decision. It would be nice to have him aboard.

[LB]

"Jeff Greer‏@jeffgreer45m
McDermott's decision today is final, per his family. They will shut it down. He will not flip."

[Ohio_Cane]

From what I understand, McDermott is shutting down recruiting after the decision.

Posted by: LB | April 02, 2013 at 01:53 PM
-----------------------------------------

Correct

[Hassan]

Brian Butler is advising the Mcdermott family, there will be 7 days of fasting following "The Decision"

[Ohio_Cane]

Here... We... Go...

[Ohio_Cane]

KC McDermott picks #Canes, as expected!! GREAT pickup!! Lots of momentum with this one! #KCane

[UpNorthCane27]

LETSSSS GOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

[NY TROOPER]

Great news. Go Canes!

[Sarasota 'cane]

Here is the full podcast with Jay Bilas on Mike & Mike that he referenced on Twitter. He BBQ's Mark Emmert.

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/76603/podcast-jay-bilas-on-miami-investigation

Go 'canes!

[86Cane]

McDermott throws up The U:

https://twitter.com/jeffgreer/status/319152012187037698/photo/1

[Ohio_Cane]

Miami Target Vincent Jackson:

“@VMJacksonJr: Miami is on the rise, they might get another commit soon out of FL #CanesFam #TheU”

[Old Skool]

Excellent news. Mad props to the man who told
Urban Meyer to his face that No Sir he had no interest in Ohio State.

[Ohio_Cane]

For those who didn't know, KC is 16 years old. LOL, I had NO idea... He's a monster.

Oh, and he's also an EE for 2014. WOW!

[Old Skool]

Vincent Jackson
A Jesuit guy from Tampa from Vinny must be working on him