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 imstillrc@gmail.com

[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.

[VA Cane]

Glad to see the grandaughters doing so well guys.....that is wonderful. Hope you all enjoy it for a long time. Special!

ST will always be one of our favs.

Colin Cowherd = broken record...they play old soundbites of his lame SOS!!! He says Lebron signed big deal, is a vet, has demands, wants things his way, family etc!!!! Defender of a Narcissist Diva!!!!! Durant Kyree Kawhi....babies playing a non contact diva game!!!

Lebron is the biggest diva ever! Moved LA caught up in Hollywood BS....movies...his posse....using king james as twitter handle....sick BS! His movie is Space Jam 2....still second and always will be to MJ!!!
I do despise him..needs a dress...pouts sulks cries.....3-6 in the finals...and does not make others better....makes TEAM a DODO....please retire or blow a knee you big crybaby....

[NativeCane]

Love that ballpark Solar, country folks playing in the pines.

[solarcane]

Love that ballpark Solar, country folks playing in the pines.

Posted by: NativeCane | April 03, 2019 at 02:24 P

I hear you Native,
They play at some nice fields
she
started for South Caldwell, Hickory NC as a freshman, she blasts homeruns like nothing, they were ranked 1st in NC then lost in the State playoffs and finished second.Shes a straight A student, some colleges like her grades others like her bat.

She has a lot of small colleges watching her including N Georgia that were national champs a while ago.
Real proud of her

[solarcane]

Posted by: NativeCane | April 03, 2019 at 10:19 AM

When I hear a grandpa call his grandson Bubba,doughboy,MamaBoy, and now Buckethead, I can feel the genuine affection, that is very very cool. 0

[Go Canes!!]

Lebron James is a transcendent, once in a lifetime player.

He is arguably the greatest player in the history of basketball who maybe once in his entire career had the best surrounding cast when entering the NBA finals.

They all bitch and cry to the refs, from MJ, to Magic, to Jabbar to Durant. It's what they do.

Wish he would have never left Miami. We were incredibly lucky to have him for part of his prime.

[Go Canes!!]

Posted by: solarcane | April 03, 2019 at 09:42 AM

This is awesome Solar! My nephew is an up and coming minor league baseball player with the Mariners. Has a legit shot of making it to the show.

Really great watching them prosper and succeed isn't it

Funniest part is seeing how cool and collected they are when they play while we are all sweating it out in the stands.

[Terrance Sullivan]

LMBAO at LBJ as arguably the greatest player ever. Nah Playa. He is in the Top 10 and thats that. He not Top 5 though. I think I have him at #8 All Time That's still very impressive.

[solarcane]

Funniest part is seeing how cool and collected they are when they play while we are all sweating it out in the stands.

Posted by: Go Canes!! | April 03, 2019 at 03:58

Go,
man you hit the nail on the head!
She gets an 0-2 count and I'm all queezy,
Then she reaches outside for a waste pitch
And doubles to the opposite field like "what did you think I was gonna do"
Best of luck to your nephew.

[Go Canes!!]

Terrance I'd love to see seven players with a more impressive combination of individual stats, championships AND sustained dominance than LBJ.

I can't think many if any.

Every team he was on for a decade won or made it to the NBA Finals, only to drop to mediocrity or the absolute basement of the league after he left. NBA All Stars came and went while he only played even more impressive basketball as he got older.

Watched him play 50+ times in person. Night in and night out he was head an shoulders above any other player in the league.

That dude, along with MJ are the GOAT.

[solarcane]

a more impressive combination of individual stats, championships AND sustained dominance than LBJ.

I didn't think much of his Vietnam policy but he was a good advocate for civil rights...what?...,oh...nevermind

[Terrance Sullivan]

Kareem, Michael, Bill, Kobe, Magic, Larry, Wilt. Any More Questions Go Canes!

[Terrance Sullivan]

Oh I have Shaq at #9 and Tim Duncan at #10.

[solarcane]

Silvera getting carried away?

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported on Tuesday that the Miami football defensive coaches want rising Sophomore Nesta Silvera to play with more “evenness” in 2018. Silvera has a tendency to celebrate after every play he makes in practice. Silvera’s play has not equaled his swagger

[Go Canes!!]

Posted by: solarcane | April 03, 2019 at 05:16 PM

And what a sense of humor:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf_YYk0Z_W8

[solarcane]

Nice get Go Canes

[solarcane]

139,000 voters have LaBron a strong 11th best player alltime

https://m.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time

[Go Canes!!]

Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | April 03, 2019 at 05:22 PM

Man I idolized Magic growing up. Posters on every wall. But LBJ would have trucked him. Same with Bird. LeBron is what Magic and Bird were, with 60 pounds more muscle, far more speed and and light years better as a defender

Just as importantly, at 34 years old he's still averaging 28/7/7 a night while shooting over 50% from the field this season AND for his CAREER while other guys at this point were breaking down or completely out of the league

Just for perspective on how tough shooting over half your shots is... Kobe didn't do it in even a single season in his career. That's 0-19 man.

Dude is a one of a kind beast. Don't let the hatred blind you.

[solarcane]

I wonder where Connie Hawkins would be on that list if he wasn't unfairly blackballed?
Even more a question is why hasn't Bob Dylan written a song about him?

[Terrance Sullivan]

Lmbao at Hatred when I said the Guy was the 8th best player ever out of what 20,000 NBA players over it's 73 year history. Get over yourself and have a cold beverage and relax.

[86Cane]

No, no, no...Go Canes is ALWAYS RIGHT.

Get used to it.

[Harry Miller]

Not this time.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Soupster U know it he has the Smartest Man in the Room Syndrome lol.

[Terrance Sullivan]

SolarCane Great Point The Hawk I heard was a Badd Man.

[solarcane]

Sully,
Connie Hawkins in basketball and Dick Allen in baseball were like the antichrists
of their sport and they both should be in the Halls of Fame.

[solarcane]

VA,
Here's your boy,does he remind you of Sean Taylor or Rohan?

https://twitter.com/i/status/1113601673128226817

[solarcane]

Sully

https://youtu.be/OWdYV5lFsco

[86Cane]

U know it he has the Smartest Man in the Room Syndrome lol.

Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | April 03, 2019 at 08:51 PM

Drives me crazy.

Black is white.
Cold is hot.
Dark is light.
Sweet is sour.
Old is young.

This guy's views are whack!

[solarcane]

To me TruCane81 is actually the smartest man in the room most of the time, and a funny sombich on top of that.

[Go Canes!!]

Posted by: 86Cane | April 03, 2019 at 10:48 PM

Your desperation for clicks is strong.

[Go Canes!!]

Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | April 03, 2019 at 08:51 PM

https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/023/397/C-658VsXoAo3ovC.jpg

[solarcane]

Mark Walton in jail reckless driving,weed,concealed weapon.
Wheels falling off for this man?

[raizecane]

Solar, just read that. He must of made a left when he should have made a right.....

[solarcane]

Raize,
Yea the cop that tassed him must have been a Noles fan.
I wonder what he thought when Walton pulled the tasser out of his butt and kept on running?

[raizecane]

I wonder what he thought when Walton pulled the tasser out of his butt and kept on running?

Posted by: solarcane | April 04, 2019 at 01:55 PM

Cocaine is a hell of a drug? lol

[86Cane]

Your desperation for clicks is strong.

Posted by: Go Canes!! | April 04, 2019 at 05:56 AM

U caught me.

[VA Cane]

No, no, no...Go Canes is ALWAYS RIGHT.

Get used to it.

No doubt the main is a great great player...a shallow conceited narcissist....thinks he is the coach, can pick the coach, bring his jerk off leeches (blind fool) pick who he wants to play with him...and cry cry cry all the time....he wears a dress....he does not make others better look at LA....and he is 3-6 in the finals....reality.

But then again....I forgot some people were in love with AlPa ....so it does not surprise me...he really thinks he is the chosen one the king...love that ego....bigger than his legacy....3-6 in the title gamesfact!

U know it he has the Smartest Man in the Room Syndrome lol.....AlPa will win multiple titles, Kaaya is the next Brady,
NoDPa makes Buddy ryan look like a amateur....wonder if he ever heard of BR and the 46!!!! Naaaa..........

solar that is funny....thats our tough pornboy alright....crying like his chosen one Cryon James!

What the hell is Walton doing....and does he think hes Baker mayfield?

[VA Cane]

solar The Hawk was The man....I remember my Dad talking about working in Brooklyn in FBI....going to places most never venture to...Bed Stuyv in Brooklyn...and seeing kids play pickup.....said he saw the Hawk in an outside HS AS game where court was wet...said Hawk smoked them. His secret.....high flyer great leaper....huge hands...made ball a marble...ala Jimi Hendrix hands...ahhh the hands allow one to do so much!!!
Love the Hawk!!1 RIP

[solarcane]

Miami Hurricanes flag football Cooper City Optimist team go 12-0 pulverizing Florida State flag boys.

Didn't Manny Savage just tell young kids you can go to Miami or go somewhere else and get your ass kicked by Miami?

[Go Canes!!]

Starting early I see.

[solarcane]

VA me too brother.
I always dig the underdog that overachieves.

Growing up Connie Hawkins, Dick Allen, Joe Kapp, guys like that always motivated me.
I think that's why Rohan is my favorite Cane, you and I see the world through the same eyes on many subjects.

When Dick Allen was playing for the Phillies, he had to wear his batting helmet when he was in the outfield or first base because his own home fans threw batteries at him all the time.

Rodney Dangerfield had the world by the ass is compared to Hawkins and Allen.

[solarcane]

Starting early I see.

Posted by: Go Canes!! | April 04, 2019 at 04:17 PM

TWSS

[Native]

Solar, just read that. He must of made a left when he should have made a right.....

Posted by: raizecane | April 04, 2019 at 01:20 PM

Well it was well after dark so I knew my wife and kids were waitin'
And I guess I took a left where I generally take a right
Well I filled her up with gas, checked the oil at the Texaco station
I threw the car seat in the dumpster and headed off into the night....Steve Earle

[roachcane77]

Ladies Tennis coach long way from over the hill
Wad up Roach?
https://mobile.twitter.com/CanesWTennis/status/1112419055619751937/photo/1
Posted by: solarcane | April 02, 2019 at 06:17 PM

Damn... She's got me... I just got past 300 wins this year with my girls...

[86Cane]

Starting early I see.

Posted by: Go Canes!! | April 04, 2019 at 04:17 PM

No, just getting started.

[solarcane]

Damn... She's got me... I just got past 300 wins this year with my girls...

Posted by: roachcane77 | April 04, 2019 at 07:28

Man that is very impressive!

[BigWindyCane]

Everything I am hearing and reading about the Canes DL suggests that we have no worries there. Canes have consistently had good DL coaches, and the talent is great. Jon Ford appears to have found his groove, and the DEs will get sacks and TFLs. I am hearing that the DL could be a strength of the team this season.

[BigWindyCane]

At WR, I am starting to read what I heard from some of the coaches who attended the coaches’ clinic last Saturday, that Jerimiah Payton will play this season.

I saw Payton at camps, and I love his competitive nature and talent. Payton has the skills to erase QB mistakes. Pope also has improved, and could see some reps behind Harley and Thomas.

Mallory will surprise some people. His blocking skills need improvement, but he has the rare potential to be great in college, and an even better pro. I love his upside, which is comparable or even better than Njoku

[86Cane]

Mallory will surprise some people. His blocking skills need improvement, but he has the rare potential to be great in college, and an even better pro. I love his upside, which is comparable or even better than Njoku

Posted by: BigWindyCane | April 04, 2019 at 10:50 PM

Ah-ha! We have found it: "The Next Big Thing!"

Shall we designate Mallory as a "King of Spring"?

[Go Canes!!]

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/willie-taggart-facing-extreme-pressure-heading-into-a-critical-2019-season-at-florida-state/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

[thirstybuzzardcane]

Can't wait to see this guy has n action. Hopefully, we don't have to see too much of him....LOL

http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=26443258