The Birth Of A Man And A Miracle

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 be 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 in 2001.  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. And believe me, he earned every one of them.

After that amazing season, Sean decided it was time to take the next step and would choose to leave Miami 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 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 a 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.

As we look back, some memories and images simply 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 choose to remember Sean Taylor. 

As a miracle of a man who at times seemed to be the only player on the field completely capable of beating the other team all by himself.

Comments

[86Cane]

Sean Taylor best day ever.

https://youtu.be/lugO5iPB70s

Posted by: solarcane | April 01, 2019 at 03:53 PM

Sean Taylor knocking grown ass men out.

https://youtu.be/uLd0FjRdFlY

Posted by: solarcane | April 01, 2019 at 04:49 PM

[roachcane77]

A legend for sure...

[raizecane]

ST was Mr. "beast mode" way before Marshawn Lynch

[Terrance Sullivan]

Legendary. Continue to Rest in Paradise!

[VA Cane]

What a legend...I was at the Doak in the rain and slop......he was a man amongst boys...from FSU....he was unreal...what an athlete. His play and picks were unreal....what can you say.....A All time Great forever! RIP 26!!!!

[Go Canes!!]

Just behind Ed Reed as the greatest safety in Canes history.

Undoubtedly the greatest pound for pound football player we've ever had.

Such a tragic, avoidable waste.

[86Cane]

Terrance...thanks for the heads up.

[Go Canes!!]

An article for the uninformed. Please read.

https://miami.rivals.com/news/opinion-40-unforgettable-minutes-with-jim-larranaga

[Terrance Sullivan]

Soupster U are welcome.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Go Canes Yes Sir.

[86Cane]

After reading that article I love Jim Larranaga.

I agree that he should remain the head coach of UM Men's BB until Jesus returns or until China takes over or God forbid he dies, whichever comes first.

[Go Canes!!]

Posted by: 86Cane | April 01, 2019 at 10:12 PM

A typically nuanced and thought provoking response from you.

All tht was missing was a “No excuses!!” to cap it off.

[86Cane]

"No excuses!"

[Sarasota 'cane]

Remember when Sean knocked the guy on his azz at the NFL Pro Bowl? I think it was a Titan's player.

The other players were pissed at Sean for playing so hard in a meaningless game and he just shrugged. If you had the ball and were running towards Sean he was gonna rip open your spleen...literally!

The guy had one gear!!

RIP Sean Taylor.

[solarcane]

Am I the only guy on here that thought they should have put ST in on offense once in awhile just to see him obliterate the other team on all three phases of the game?

[solarcane]

to mention just plain eliminating stuff lol!

Posted by: solarcane | April 01, 2019 at 03:47 PM

"Shyte happens"

Just don't let it happen to U!

Posted by: 86Cane | April 01, 2019 at 05:40 PM

There is a fine art to knowing how far you can go, as opposed to not knowing you have going to far

[solarcane]

You going to be elite you gotta eat says Manny

https://mobile.twitter.com/CanesFootball

[86Cane]

So I guess the Doritos, Pepsi and midnight trips to McDonald's is out?

[solarcane]

The Orange Bowl an early afternoon game this year??

[86Cane]

Solar...I believe it goes something like this:

"U never know how far you can go until you've gone too far."

[solarcane]

Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2019 at 10:44 AM

Yup you know I know you know!

Need to get your email and phone # back. lost phone and Verizon managed to corrupt 70 %of my info before they gave up.
email me here [email protected]

[solarcane]

So I guess the Doritos, Pepsi and midnight trips to McDonald's is out?

Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2019 at 10:43 AM

Hell nah we just be Charles Barkley fans and ransack every Quick Trip on the route.

[solarcane]

Tarheel ladies basketball might got boogers in they nose
Its the Carolina way

[Terrance Sullivan]

Our WR Group Need to Step the Hell Up. They were not good either last year. They were overlooked because QB and OL was so bad. But They Arses better get in gear as well.

[solarcane]

Sully you are correct.
They were underachieving like everybody on offense.
The tight ends tried, all it got Mallory was a damaged knee

[Terrance Sullivan]

Solar true the only unit that did their jobs were the Running Backs and Tight Ends. The Rest was Dumpster Juice!

[VA Cane]

I think the big concern is the OL.....backs cannot run...TEs cannot catch if we do not block. Having said that....in the run game TEs have to block.
Jimmy Graham you may love him....I never did...he plays like a hoop guy...no contact....he has never blocked which may be cool to some....not me. TE has to block and most of ours do...but has to be part of the run game.

This OL has got to work harder....too many fat round Tweedle Dums and Dees standing around like a herd of Jersey Cows grazing ....not working. no QB can be but so effective without a real OL!!
My biggest concern...along with STs!!!!

[solarcane]

Enos says the qbs are miles away from where they need to be right now.
He also told the offense, this isn't the YMCA if you aren't playing the best you're basically not playing.

A Carter out with foot
Brevin J missed again today.

[solarcane]

Diaz calling out his grad assist coaches to participate in the Big Cane drill, EVERYBODY has to be tougher.

[solarcane]

Ladies Tennis coach long way from over the hill

Wad up Roach?

https://mobile.twitter.com/CanesWTennis/status/1112419055619751937/photo/1

[VA Cane]

Enos says the qbs are miles away from where they need to be right now.

Very concerning especially with that patch work quilt called the OL. We better pray that this easy D2 like schedule is real easy....dont like to here that!!!!!

[solarcane]

Three UNC lady Tarheels bb players transfer in the last hour.

[86Cane]

The Rest was Dumpster Juice!

Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | April 02, 2019 at 01:03 PM

YUM, tasty!

[86Cane]

Enos says the qbs are miles away from where they need to be right now.

Posted by: solarcane | April 02, 2019 at 05:04 PM

#Shocker

Their previous coaching was________________?

(Fill in the blank)

[86Cane]

EVERYBODY has to be tougher.

Posted by: solarcane | April 02, 2019 at 05:10 PM

This mean U Canezilla!

No more escalator games buddy.

[solarcane]

Very interesting video on the evolution of the football helmet

https://youtu.be/WYYiqx6legw

[solarcane]

Their previous coaching was________________?

(Fill in the blank)

Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2019 at 09:

Catastrophic or if you are from the south
Bullshyt

[solarcane]

Their previous coaching was________________?

(Fill in the blank)

ass juice might be more accurate

[86Cane]

Solar, Judson...check your email.

[solarcane]

Replied

[Old Skool]

Roger that checked 86

Meanwhile, Interesting comment from Senator Chris Murphy regarding paying NCAA athletes

Zion was the breaking point for me. One kid slipping on the court caused Nike's market valuation to drop a billion dollars. No amateur unpaid athlete—no amateur unpaid worker—should have that kind of impact on an industry.

[solarcane]

Manny TNM Diaz might not get coach of the year but he should be at the top of the Best Marketing List

The man hits every angle on selling Miami

https://mobile.twitter.com/Coach_MannyDiaz/status/1113179827866136577/photo/1

[solarcane]

My granddaughter Addison Blair is ranked in the top 250 players in the nation for 2021 here she is blasting another one over the scoreboard.
She has 15 offers as a sophomore
Way to go Addie!

https://www.facebook.com/jeff.frizzell.7/videos/pcb.2268724483147719/2268727893147378/?type=3&__tn__=HH-RH-R&eid=ARAyXFTyBpMnLBDeT0aaYTCT2Ej9u_kSdqmi_YdDoGFq_srqAE_VpGYxiSEf6LrVhpZeDujPk4ig2wFY

[NativeCane]

Special teams Solar....

[Old Skool]

Nice hit. If she can pull a Babe Ruth and start pointing where she's going to send the balls that would be really cool.

[NativeCane]

My granddaughter Madison just started her softball career a few weeks ago, she's 8 and after a few games they want to put her with the older girls.
Grandson Gauge, I call him Buckethead just started baseball and doing very well.
Proud Papa!....

[NativeCane]

Soup this may be my favorite blog article ever, never get tired of remembering the Legend....

[86Cane]

Soup this may be my favorite blog article ever, never get tired of remembering the Legend....

Posted by: NativeCane | April 03, 2019 at 12:22 PM

Some memories never fade...

[CGNC]

Miss you ST

[BigWindyCane1]

Thanks for reminding us of the greatness of Sean Taylor. I have never seen a player like him on a football field.