Some Memories Never Fade

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

Perhaps by fate, or 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 QB Jim Kelly), would win their first college football National Championship by beating 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, 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 27, 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 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 Miami Hurricane fans 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]

101

[86Cane]

You're completely wasting your time Ohio.

#savethekids

Posted by: Go Canes | November 28, 2014 at 01:55 PM

There IT is right there.

Some people are so happy to have there little something to be angry about again thaT THEY ARE GOING ALL IN.

[86Cane]

1. Should be undefeated in the Coastal at the very least.

2. We have a better team than Louisville and Nebraska also.

Posted by: The Dude | November 28, 2014 at 02:26 PM

1. AGREE 100%.

2. Not so sure about that.

[86Cane]

1. But this ridiculous viewpoint where somehow these players are victims that need to be saved...

2. Bad losses, for sure. Questions going forward, absolutely.

Posted by: Go Canes | November 28, 2014 at 12:12 PM

1. When U live in a world where everyone is a victim then U think everyone is being victimized.

2. THIS.

[WWIN]

2. Not so sure about that.

Posted by: 86Cane | November 28, 2014 at 03:44 PM

Louisville and Nebraska SUCKS!

Now if you're talking about coaching, you have a good point?

[BEERicane]

Bunche starts for a top 10 team.

[CaneRock]

I think there are THREE reasons why he ultimately withdrew his name from consideration for the PSU head coaching job: 1) it was clear (to him and his agent) that PSU was not going to make him an offer; 2) letting the matter drag out any longer would diminish his standing at UM and hurt ongoing recruiting efforts; and 3) he (and his agent) could leverage the PSU "overture" to strengthen his deal at UM.

Posted by: nemo2002 | November 28, 2014 at 03:14 PM

From what I've read...

#1 Correct.

#s 2 & 3...While He was telling the SoFlo media He was not a candidate for any other job, His name was still in the hat for the PSU gig. Him & His agent were waiting to see if Franklin would accept the PSU gig. IOWs, He NEVER withdrew His name!

[CaneRock]

1. When U live in a world where everyone is a victim then U think everyone is being victimized.

Posted by: 86Cane | November 28, 2014 at 03:48 PM

Witcha' LYIN' @$$!

You want AG to stay, so you can sit in the shade at SLS!...don't you?! LMAO!

[86Cane]

You want AG to stay, so you can sit in the shade at SLS!...don't you?! LMAO!

Posted by: CaneRock | November 28, 2014 at 04:37 PM

Why yes, yes I do. LOL

[86Cane]

I love shade, shade loves me.

[SinisterCane]

Posted by: 86Cane | November 28, 2014 at 03:43 PM

#I'MSOHAPPY

[WWIN]

86, what happened to ya? I thought you wuz gon fly da banner tomorrow, now you wanna give em another year?

[The Dude]

Louisville and Nebraska have a better winning culture than we do. They are more ready to execute what they do. We have a more talented roster than both of those teams. Al flat out, with plenty of time to prepare, did not have this team ready to play Louisville. Period. Just as he did not have them ready to play Louisville in the bowl game. Anybody noticing a trend here? If there is one thing consistent about Al it's his ability to have this team play flat, and lose to inferior teams. I'm not saying he had to be undefeated to keep his job. I'm saying we arguably could/should be undefeated. We should at least be close. In year 4 with the roster he has, you come more prepared than he did v. Louisville, you beat Nebraska, you beat GT, you close the door on FSU and under absolutely no circumstance do you lose to UVA. This guy is a joke. And as far as giving this guy a 5th year because he's entitled to it, lmao. Welcome to 2014. This isn't 1990. With the built in advantages that Miami has, even with the excuse that keeps on excusing, you need to win in year 3. Al can't even beat UVA in year 4. No 5th year, hell no. He doesn't even want to be here.

[The Dude]

We are at least a 6 loss team because someone out there in America gets a month to prepare for Al Golden. Game over.

[The Dude]

Shout out to Randy. I like this LB core at Arkansas.

[1mg of Epi]

Go canes.... Everybody here talks freely about AGs strength: recruiting. Nobody denies it. Because of this talent he has brought in, we could very easily have been undefeated or a 1 loss team. We play in the freakin ACC coastal for god's sake.

You mention all those players that have developed, yet our record v power 5 teams is what? Hmmm... I wonder why that could be?

[J'Ville Cane]

A&M axes defensive coordinator Mark Snyder

Posted by John Taylor on November 28, 2014, 5:2
And let the Will Muschamp Watch in College Station commence in earnest.

Less than 24 hours after Texas A&M closed out the regular season with a 23-17 loss to LSU, head coach Kevin Sumlin announced that the football program has, ahem, “parted ways” with defensive coordinatorMark Snyder.  Linebackers coach Mark Hagan will serve as the interim coordinator for the Aggies’ bowl appearance.

Snyder, who just completed his third season with the Aggies, will be due $700,000 in salary through March of 2016.

“Mark is an outstanding coach and even better person, but he understands the production needed to be better,” Sumlin said in a portion of his statement.

The fact that Snyder was jettisoned is far from surprising.  This season, A&M’s defense was 11th or worse among the 14 teams in the SEC in nearly every major statistical category.  Entering Week 14, the Aggies were 77th nationally and 11th in the conference — ahead of only Kentucky (30.1), Vanderbilt (32.4) and South Carolina (32.7) — in points allowed per game (27.7). When it comes to yards allowed, they were even worse: at 445.2 yards per game, the Aggies were dead last in the conference and 100th in the country.

As to where Sumlin will, or should, begin his search, look no further than the deposed Florida Gators head coach.  While his time in the Swamp was far from a success, Will Muschamp is still widely viewed as one of the top defensive coordinators in the country.  Until there’s a resolution one way or the other, it will be Muschamp’s name that’s first off the tongue of an Aggie fan — and should be first on Sumlin’s coordinator to-do list.

BUT WE JUST STAND PAT

[TheeMackJones]

First and foremost. The beloved Golden ABSOLUTELY does not deserve five years as head coach! In other words, Golden's record is basically the same record as the VILLIFIED Onion Head's.

Second. The beloved Golden will be in Coral Gables next season. So it's a waste of energy to speculate his future in plush, smug Coral Gables.

Third. And because the university AD, President and Board of Trustee's have an INFATUATION with Thee Carpetbagger. Miami will be in DEEP, DEEP, DEEP chit after he's eventually CHIT-CANNED.

And I seriously don't believe a NAMED Power 5 head coach could or would " clean up " the mess Golden left the Canes in.

[WWIN]

Posted by: J'Ville Cane | November 28, 2014 at 05:45 PM

Don't you know anything? You're just suppose to say "unacceptable" and keep it moving, maybe pump your fist to the sky, but that's it!

[The Dude]

I would love to see what Rich Rod could do at Miami.

[WWIN]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Turn UM into Arizona? No thanks, we're just fine being psu, thank you very much!

[WWIN]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Only thing we're missing is the coke bottle glasses!

[raizecane]

why oh why do i go to best buy on black friday??

[raizecane]

so no predictions for tomorrow or is everyone still full from who hash??

[SinisterCane]

Worst coaching staffing in the ACC

[The Dude]

I predict an infuriating win by Miami that prevents us from firing Al Golden.

[RCCF]

And for God's sake take a break from the undefeated talk.

Posted by: Go Canes | November 28, 2014 at 02:22 PM

This is why at the Zoo they say "don't feed the animals"

Dude that is the DUMBEST thing EVER....so we should all except mediocrity like you huh....why does this troll have a voice? why has he been able to blog so long and we have to suck it up? sheesh he obviously isn't a fan and has an agenda....a Mediocre on but none the less an agenda....UGH man!!

12%Forever Troll......because that is how REAL CANES ROLL...U can see your way out the way...

[SinisterCane]

If Sean Taylor played for Golden he would he still be a ALL Pro?

[86Cane]

86, what happened to ya? I thought you wuz gon fly da banner tomorrow, now you wanna give em another year?

Posted by: WWIM | November 28, 2014 at 05:10 PM

Lost my mojo, got soft, wanna think about it?

[86Cane]

I predict an infuriating win by Miami that prevents us from firing Al Golden.

Posted by: The Dude | November 28, 2014 at 07:53 PM

Second that.

[WWIN]

^^^^^^^^^^^^
Yes but it would have been night and day between what he did at UM and what he did in the league!

[86Cane]

86, what happened to ya? I thought you wuz gon fly da banner tomorrow, now you wanna give em another year?

Posted by: WWIM | November 28, 2014 at 05:10 PM

Serious pain, pain in the heart for my team. Hoping against hope that we can win vs Pitt and the bowl game and call it a year?

12% next year. We are rollin...

[Go Canes]

Emonee Spence is a really talented young player.

He is balling tonight.

Going to be a heck of a player for us.

[WWIN]

^^^^^^^^^
I feel ya pain, and that's why I took till I can't tooks no more! Lol

[WWIN]

Going to be a heck of a player for us.

Posted by: Go Canes | November 28, 2014 at 08:31 PM

Yes he is, if he knows how to run block! Lol

[SinisterCane]

Ray Rice won his appeal

[J'Ville Cane]

Over/under for the Virginia vs Virginia Tech game is 39. LMAO

And we let those bibs score 30

[laquinton]

What's are record for night games under AL?

Posted by: SinisterCane | November 28, 2014 at 12:52 PM

Let's see. I got 7 wins and 12 losses ** 2 of those wins include famu and Sav st.

[laquinton]

Wins at night under Coach Golden.

7:30, Ohio State 224-6
7:30, V-Tech 30-12
8:00, FAU 34-6
7:00, Sav St 777-7
7:30, UNC 27-23
7:00, FAMU 41-7
7:30, Duke 22-10
7:30, V-Tech 30-6

Losses at night under Golden

8, Maryland 24-32
8, Virginia 21-28
730, Notre Dame 3-41
8, FSU 20-33
8, FSU 14-41
7, V-Tech 24-42
645, Louisville 9-36
8, Louisville 13-31
8, Nebraska 31-41
730, G-Tech 17-28
8, FSU 26-30
7, Virginia 13-30

[WWIN]

I remember when Golden first got this gig. He said "judge me now, starting today!", but Alpologist's wanna wait 5yrs when that man said it out his own mouth! SMH

I'm just doing what he told me to do!

[RCCF]

Tell it like it is WWIM...

He Said It .... We owe it to him to keep him to it..

[SinisterCane]

2010

"Miami will only be judge by Championships"

[SinisterCane]

IceBerg AL is pipmpin' these Hoes' out of their money

[BEERicane]

2010

"Miami will only be judge by Championships"

Posted by: SinisterCane | November 28, 2014 at 09:18 PM

All except #FSUDad

[miamicane]

Im not used to losing when we are not on probation. Im a Cane fan...that is all..

[1mg of Epi]

Im not used to losing when we are not on probation. Im a Cane fan...that is all..

Posted by: miamicane | November 28, 2014 at 09:26 PM

Get used to it.

[The Dude]

Every thing I see says Al stays barring a complete collapse against Pitt. So, I guess I'm rooting for a complete collapse.

[1mg of Epi]

Every thing I see says Al stays barring a complete collapse against Pitt. So, I guess I'm rooting for a complete collapse.

Posted by: The Dude | November 28, 2014 at 09:40 PM

There is nothing wrong with wanting the best outcome long term for your team... Those who call you out for this are being childish.

[The Dude]

Posted by: 1mg of Epi | November 28, 2014 at 09:42 PM

It goes both ways. I won't be mad if someone wants to root for their team regardless, but I can't pretend that I want Al here even if he wins big in the next two games. This guy has to go at almost all costs.

[laquinton]

Well Al also told the former players to come back but they aren't allowed on the sideline.

But anybody can Google Miami and see how rich the history is with not just winning national championships or playing for them in the past 30 years 5 of 10. and the x amount of former players in the nfl or retired ... countless all americans. Produce or leave. Another year. Man we could be in a bigger whole with him but another coach with a Miami mindset could come in and win it all and we will Have Golden to Thank ? Idk.. I still think he is too green or too much of a Temple/Virginia or Penn State mind set to play with a win or realize that your better than the other team. #trusttheprocess

[1mg of Epi]

They will be mad!! They'll say you're not a real fan because a real fan never roots for their team to lose... They be wrong. No real fan blindly supports this fool simply because the AD has been castrated by a lame duck prez.

[1mg of Epi]

Laquinton... Don't forget Al also threatened the former w not being allowed on the sidelines, or anywhere near the program, if they didn't keep their mouths shut about his incompetence.

Al Golden is NOT a Miami Hurricane.

[1mg of Epi]

^^The former *players

[Ohio_Cane]

@DavidFurones90: Final line on Jordan Scarlett tonight: 8 carries, 117 yards, 3 TDs. The other Cane commit, Charles Perry, wasn't shabby either -- 16 for 94.

[Go Canes]

@CanesWarningFS: 2015 commits tonight:
WR Spence 5 Rec. 125yds TD
RB Scarlett over 100yds 3TD
LB Perry 96yds on 16 carries
RB Walton 1 TD
DB J. Johnson 1 int

[Ohio_Cane]

@CanesWarningFS: 2015 commits tonight:
WR Spence 5 Rec. 125yds TD
RB Scarlett over 100yds 3TD
LB Perry 96yds on 16 carries
RB Walton 1 TD
DB J. Johnson 1 int

[Ohio_Cane]

Didn't refresh lol

[laquinton]

Yeah, Phillip Buchanan says that they aren't allowed but I've seen Shockey, Portis and Edgerrin on the sidelines.. nobody else though

[1mg of Epi]

Cause they've kept their mouths shut

[SinisterCane]

GO CANEZ BEAT PITT

[86Cane]

#BeatPitt

[The Dude]

#firealgolden

[raizecane]

Ive heard it all now....Micky Rourke - 62 returns to boxing and beats a 29 year old. I'm guessing this opponent doesn't like boxing away from his home town. :-)

[WWIN]

Tell it like it is WWIM...

He Said It .... We owe it to him to keep him to it..

Posted by: RCCF | November 28, 2014 at 09:15 PM

You know how we do!

It's a damn shame that we are not suppose to think of undefeated seasons anymore even when you have more talent than the teams you play! SMH

[1mg of Epi]

Undefeated seasons?? But... But... He's only had 4 years!!

[1mg of Epi]

A putrid VT team beats the horrible UVA team that manhandled us. How could that happen? Hmmmmm....

#AGISTHEWORSTCOACHINTHEACC

[The Dude]

Al Golden makes me wonder why we ever fired Larry.

[1mg of Epi]

#bringbacklarry

[SinisterCane]

#THANKSDONNA

[WWIN]

Undefeated seasons?? But... But... He's only had 4 years!!

Posted by: 1mg of Epi | November 28, 2014 at 11:56 PM

I also keep forgetting that we played the 2nd toughest schedule in the country! LMAO

[1mg of Epi]

#georgeclintonforprez

[1mg of Epi]

I also keep forgetting that we played the 2nd toughest schedule in the country! LMAO

Posted by: WWIM | November 29, 2014 at 12:14 AM

Ya can't play a schedule like ours AND have all those night games!! It's insanity!! Virginia every year, and now we have to play em at night!! It's insanity!!

[1mg of Epi]

Can U imagine if Alabama had to play our schedule?! Saban would be curled up in a ball crying! UVA and Pitt in consecutive weeks... At night!!

[SinisterCane]

Posted by: 1mg of Epi | November 29, 2014 at 12:24 AM

Could you imagine if Golden had to play Saban's schedule

[1mg of Epi]

SC... Now I'm curled up in a ball crying.

[TLuv]

Sean Taylor=Best to ever wear orange and green

[Go Canes]

@Manny_Navarro: His team lost, but @AuthenticMade_Q is worth every recruiting star he owns. #Canes have a stud headed their way. Complete player

@Manny_Navarro: I had @AuthenticMade_Q with about 12 tackles, a pick and a forced fumble and 2 catches for 20 yards tonight #UM #Killian

Go Canes beat Pitt!!

[360Cane]

Why is the []_[] so complacent?

Texas A&M fired their DC: http://m.espn.go.com/ncf/story?storyId=11950800

[BEERicane]

FSUDad, quit posting about how great and exciting these recruits are. They will come in only to have all that potential wasted under AG.
#TracyHowardwasa5Star

[Go Canes]

I thought this was a site to exchange information about the Canes.

And the whole FSU dad thing is kind of beneath a man with your academic pedigree don't you think?

I mean you can feel free to continue, I've been called far worse by far dumber on here, but I'm sure you realize how little effect it actually has.

[DeeCane]

360Cane... some changes are coming.... i think we waiting until the season is over... if our DC aint gone, a position coach or two will be.... DBs n DL..... IMO

[Go Canes]

@HeraldSports: Jordan Scarlett powers St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders to another rout in playoffs: http://t.co/UXe5ECTLpm

[TonyCane]

AM, Larry was getting out recruited in certain positions. His overall team was strong...much stronger than this one, but he failed to recruit quarterbacks or wide receivers. The latter created a structural imbalance which imploded the 2006 Canes.

[360Cane]

360Cane... some changes are coming.... i think we waiting until the season is over... if our DC aint gone, a position coach or two will be.... DBs n DL..... IMO

Posted by: DeeCane | November 29, 2014 at 08:18 AM

I sure hope so. 6-5 in the ACC with 10 draft prospects just isn't even good at all.

They'll need to do something for me to purchase those season tickets. Wasted a lot of money this past decade however spending tailgates with friends and family is priceless. Just wish my []_[] showed they actually cared about those W and L columns. In the crappy ACC, a recruiting hotbed and still haven't seen a CG or even played in one. Pathetic.

[BEERicane]

I mean you can feel free to continue, I've been called far worse by far dumber on here, but I'm sure you realize how little effect it actually has.

Posted by: Go Canes | November 29, 2014 at 08:18 AM

I sure did. I was actually trying to see how long it would take you to acknowledge the moniker. Turns out it was approximately 2 weeks. I must say, impressive holdout.

[LA3]

Pitt is one trick pony...if we can't stop the run, then we are D O N E. History says we can't.

Here is to 6-6 record....with 2 W's against Ark St. and FL A&M. Does 4-6 or 5-6 against D1 teams really work at the U?!!!

[SinisterCane]

GO CANEZ beat Pitt

21-14

[1mg of Epi]

Here is to 6-6 record....with 2 W's against Ark St. and FL A&M. Does 4-6 or 5-6 against D1 teams really work at the U?!!!

Posted by: LA3 | November 29, 2014 at 09:09 AM

Blake James said they're so happy its all unicorns and glitter down there... So yea, I guess so!

[Go Canes]

Also impressed with your consistent effort.

Go Canes!

[1mg of Epi]

They'll need to do something for me to purchase those season tickets. Wasted a lot of money this past decade however spending tailgates with friends and family is priceless. Just wish my []_[] showed they actually cared about those W and L columns. In the crappy ACC, a recruiting hotbed and still haven't seen a CG or even played in one. Pathetic.

Posted by: 360Cane | November 29, 2014 at 08:57 AM

Yea... I'm done too. I'm not wasting my money next year. They're not competitive in the worst division of the worst conference in football... And they're happy about it!!! No thank you.

[BEERicane]

I think we win today by 3 possessions. Sadly, I don't know how I would feel about such a result.

[86Cane]

GOOD MORNING CANESPACE!

[86Cane]

Enough bashing for the week huh?

Let's try to be hopeful and positive, Go Canes, Beat Pitt!

[BEERicane]

Go Canes, Beat Pitt!

Posted by: 86Cane | November 29, 2014 at 09:51 AM

No, really. Go beat them, physically. Please.

[jcane]

Anyone notice the Canes won again on the hardwood? Took the pedal off the medal in the second half vs. USAlabama, but still showing how they can look when on. Big SM had one amazing dunk in this game, with the one handed catch and windmill like move while flying. Angel and Sheldon were amazing transfer pickups for Coach L.

[Sarasota 'cane]

We got this!

I've had a great visit with my family this week. My Dad was telling me how instrumental the U of Pitt administration was "back in the day" in helping to launch the U of Miami. He said The U would not be THE U without the efforts of a lot of great folks at Pitt.
My Dad has dementia but can still remember the most awesome historical events, especially as they relate his time in Miami.

Go 'canes!

[1mg of Epi]

Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | November 29, 2014 at 09:55 AM

More details! What'd they do!

[CaneRock]

Dwayne Lawson Sr. HLs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVqUDdu2cMg

[BEERicane]

We got our asses handed to us by a non-bowl eligible team. Ouch.

[nemo2002]

200