November 27th is a day that will always live in the hearts of Washington Redskins fans and football fans alike. It’s a day in which we lost one of the best, young, talented players of this era, Sean Taylor. Taylor was in the middle of his 4th season when he passed away. This article will remember him on this day, the 9 year anniversary.
Sean Michael Maurice Taylor was drafted by the Washington Redskins with the 5th overall pick of the 2004 NFL Draft. An intimidating safety out of the University of Miami, Taylor had it all. He could run sideline to sideline, hit like Ronnie Lott and cover like a blanket. He was to be the staple of the defense and a face of the franchise. He had earned the nickname “Meast,” half man half beast because of his level of play.
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Taylor was known for making big plays. During a playoff run in 2005, he scooped up a fumble in the season finale against the Eagles and took it to the house. This sealed a wild card berth for the Redskins. In that wild-card game, he again scooped up a fumble and rumbled for a touchdown. He was later ejected for spitting in the face of a Buccaneer running back and fined $17,000 for his actions. However, his impact had already been felt.
His big play making skills continued in 2006 when he returned a block field goal against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9. He subsequently got his facemask yanked on the return putting the Redskins in field goal range. Nick Novak knocked through the game-winner. Three weeks later he would again seal another win by intercepting Jake Delhomme in the final minutes of their game against the Carolina Panthers.
Sean always played the game hard. This was evident in the 2007 Pro Bowl, which followed the 2006 season. In a game in which most guys are relaxed and just having fun, Taylor was focused. He put a hit on Buffalo Bills Punter Brian Moorman that was heard around the world. This hit is still talked about today.
Then, a player and a man known for making hits took his own hit. On November 26, 2007, Sean Taylor was shot in his home during an attempted robbery. While he was not supposed to be there, Taylor was home recovering from a knee injury. He was hit in his femoral artery. Taylor was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami where he underwent immediate surgery. He would eventually succumb to his wound at 3:30am on November 27, 2007. I woke that day shedding tears when I heard the news.
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Sean Taylor will always be a Washington Redskin. The number 21 will forever be in our hearts. He keeps a constant watch over his football team. When something big happens Redskins fans look to the heavens and say “Thank You, Sean!” November 27th will always be known as Sean Taylor Day to football fans, not just to Redskins fans.
As you remember this man on this day hold up your number 21 to the sky. As you cheer for the Redskins on Sundays look up and let him know we are behind the boys just as he is. Sean Michael Maurice Taylor forever in our hearts. Sean Michael Maurice Taylor forever a Redskin! ALWAYS HTTR!