Mattie T’s Tribute to Sean Taylor (1984-2007)

It has been a tragic day for the National Football League as we mourn the loss of Washington Redskins’ safety Sean Taylor.

Taylor was pronounced dead early this morning at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL after being shot once in his upper leg on Monday during what appeared to be an alleged burglarly/robbery attempt.

Taylor spent 3 seasons at the University of Miami where he witnessed both a national championship win (against Nebraska in ‘01) & a national championship loss (against Ohio State in ‘02).

Some of his former teammates at “The U” that are currently in the NFL include Steelers FB Najeh Davenport, Redskins RB Clinton Portis, Giants TE Jeremy Shockey, Texans WR Andre Johnson, Broncos LB D.J. Williams, Jets LB Jonathan Vilma, Ravens S Ed Reed & RB Willis McGahee, 49ers RB Frank Gore, Browns TE Kellen Winslow Jr., Patriots DT Vince Wilfork & Cardinals CB Antrel Rolle.

Taylor was selected with the 5th overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins & found himself in the starting lineup at free safety in just his 3rd professional game.

Cincinnati Bengals’ WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh called Taylor a “punk” after Taylor allegedly spit on Houshmandzadeh during the Bengals’ 17-10 win in Taylor’s rookie season. However, no further evidence was revealed of this incident.

Taylor later got himself into more trouble during an 2005 NFC Wild Card Game against Tampa Bay when he spat on Buccaneers’ RB Michael Pittman during Washington’s 17-10 win & was immediately ejected from the game.

Pittman’s reponse:

“There was a lot of trash-talking the whole game. He (Taylor) spit in my face, and no man is going to spit in my face. … He’d get a lot worse if it was on the street.”

Taylor made his first & only Pro Bowl apperance in 2006 when Philadelphia Eagles S Brian Dawkins withdrew from the game due to injury.

Taylor’s last professional NFL game was on November 11th, 2006 against the Philadelphia Eagles where he recorded 4 tackles during the team’s 33-25 loss.

Taylor is the 4th player this year & the 7th player overall since 2001 to die during his playing career.

The Washington Redskins are planning to put #21 (Taylor’s jersey #) patches on their jerseys & #21 decals on their helmets for the remainder of the season, beginning with Sunday’s home game against the Buffalo Bills.

Taylor was 24.

Mattie T

Sports Writer for BMS Radio Chicago

www.BMSRadio.com

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