Billy Joel said it best, "Only the Good Die Young." Well Sean Taylor wasn't just good, he was the best. As a native of Washington, D.C. and a life-long Redskin fan as well as a UM student, it seems surreal that 24 year-old star safety Sean Taylor is dead; his life cut far too short. Reports of a shooting from Taylor's Miami home first came on Monday morning. According to CNN, "At 1:45 a.m. Monday, a woman identified as Taylor's girlfriend called 911 and said someone had been shot. Taylor was airlifted to Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital." http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/27/obit.taylor/index.htmlMultiple sources have quoted close friends and relatives who believe this was no random act of violence. Eight days prior to the shooting, Taylor's Miami residence was broken into and ransacked. The assailants, in addition to breaking and entering into the empty house, placed a knife on the bed of he and his soon to be wife, Jackie Garcia (daughter of famous actor Andy Garcia). It is no doubt that those involved believe that the two instances are related, occuring only days apart. 
At Jackson Memorial Hospital here in Miami, at approximately 3:30 am, Taylor was pronounced dead. Doctors cause of death was unsustainable blood loss due to the bullet wound that punctured his femoral artery. Taylor never fully regained consciousness after the shooting, but did show early signs of improvement when he was able to squeeze nurses finers and make subtle facial gestures. It wasn't enough.
His father, Florida City police chief, Pedro Taylor commented on his behalf as well as the family's, stating "It is with deep regret that a young man had to come to his end so soon," "Many of his fans loved him because the way he played football. Many of his opponents feared him the way he approached the game. Others misunderstood him, many appreciated him and his family loved him." http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3129406
He will be remembered by his accomplishments and his character. As the 5th overrall pick by the Washington Redskins in the 2004 NFL draft, there were high hopes and expectations for this All-American defensive player. He was living up to them and more, making the Pro-Bowl after only his second season. Known for his vicious hits, and incredible speed, all offenses feared throwing the deep ball against him. A potential hall-of-fame career was cut too soon. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/peter_king/11/27/taylor/index.html?eref=T1
At Jackson Memorial Hospital here in Miami, at approximately 3:30 am, Taylor was pronounced dead. Doctors cause of death was unsustainable blood loss due to the bullet wound that punctured his femoral artery. Taylor never fully regained consciousness after the shooting, but did show early signs of improvement when he was able to squeeze nurses finers and make subtle facial gestures. It wasn't enough.
His father, Florida City police chief, Pedro Taylor commented on his behalf as well as the family's, stating "It is with deep regret that a young man had to come to his end so soon," "Many of his fans loved him because the way he played football. Many of his opponents feared him the way he approached the game. Others misunderstood him, many appreciated him and his family loved him." http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3129406
He will be remembered by his accomplishments and his character. As the 5th overrall pick by the Washington Redskins in the 2004 NFL draft, there were high hopes and expectations for this All-American defensive player. He was living up to them and more, making the Pro-Bowl after only his second season. Known for his vicious hits, and incredible speed, all offenses feared throwing the deep ball against him. A potential hall-of-fame career was cut too soon. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/peter_king/11/27/taylor/index.html?eref=T1
The Redskins have announced that proper services will be held for Sean and the Washington organization. The number 21 will be painted in the field for this upcoming home game.
2 comments:
Its been a tough year for the Miami Hurricane family. From the deaths of Bryan Pata and Sean Taylor, to the horrific on field accident that nearly took Kevin Everett's life, this has been a year to forget. The last thing on our minds should be the game of football, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these players.
Sean Taylor was one of the great players to come out of Miami and I am sad to see him go out like that. He definetly had a shot to become a hall of famer and it is sad to see a person die at such a young age who is living the dream of being a professional athlete. RIP Sean Taylor the U is preying for you and your family.
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