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

[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]

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