On November, 27th 2007, Sean Michael Maurice Taylor died from critical injuries due to gunshots by intruders in his Miami home. He was a Free Safety who played for the Washington Redskins and for The Miami Hurricanes. Taylor played on the 2001 National Championship team at Miami, and was also a 1st round, 5th overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. Standing at 6’2, 212 pounds, with a sub 4.5 forty yard dash, his teammates nicknamed him ”Meast”, an abbreviation for the term ‘‘half man, half beast”. In honor of Sean, on the first play of the game after the murder, Washington lined up with only 10 players on the field and let Taylor ride one more time with them.

College Career

Taylor was recruited by the Hurricanes while playing at Gulliver Prep in Miami. He was one of just four true freshman to earn playing time and carved a niche for himself in Miami’s secondary in Nickel and Dime defensive schemes. During the 2001 season, he was named Big East Special Teams Player of the week for his outstanding play against the Pittsburgh Panthers. Miami had another successful season in 2001 by going undefeated and winning another national championship to make it 5 rings. The 2001 team is considered the best team ever in College Football.

Through the 2002 and 2003 season, Sean produced historic seasons by earning awards for the nations best safety, setting records, and having back to back winning seasons with unbelievable stats. With the 2002 and 2003 season combined, Taylor finished with 162 tackles, 14 interceptions, forced fumble, and a blocked punt for a touchdown.

Professional Career

Sean Taylor was a first round, 5th pick overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. Following his selection by the Washington Redskins, he signed a 7 year, $18 million contract with them. In his rookie season in 2004, he finished with 89 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 4 interceptions. For the 2005 season, he continued his effective play by finishing with 70 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, and a fumble returned for a touchdown. Moreover, before the shooting incident occurred, he finished the 2007 season with 42 tackles, a pass deflected, and a forced fumble. Also, he lead the NFL in interceptions before his death.

Sean Taylor was named ‘‘Hardest Hitting Player” by S.I. during his NFL Career.