In football, a safety’s job is both to defend and to intimidate. They must stop receivers from making big plays and also scare them with hard hits. The more they do this, the less likely opponents are to challenge them. Sean Taylor was a perfect example of these qualities. He became a top defender in college, then brought his skills to the NFL.
In the NFL, Taylor was known for his strong tackling and ability to shut down opposing receivers. Tragically, Taylor’s promising NFL career was cut short in his fourth season with the Washington Redskins. He was shot and killed by burglars during a robbery at his home. This is Sean Taylor’s story.
Sean Taylor’s Early Life And Career
Sean Taylor was born on April 1, 1983, in Florida City, Florida. He loved football from a young age, playing for Miami Killian Senior High School and then Gulliver Prep School. He was also a track and basketball athlete. By the end of his high school career, many colleges wanted Taylor. He was a standout athlete and student, highly ranked in Dade County.
He chose to attend the University of Miami, where he got to play as a freshman – a rare opportunity. Taylor quickly became well-known in college football. After an outstanding junior year, he skipped his senior year to enter the NFL draft. In 2004, the Washington Redskins picked Taylor fifth overall and offered him a six-year contract. Despite some early minor issues, his career started strong. However, it didn’t last long.
Who was the coolest football player on the face of the earth when you were a kid?
Mine was Sean Taylor. pic.twitter.com/lddgOtKwyK
— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) July 6, 2022
The Botched Home Burglary That Killed Sean Taylor
During his fourth season, Taylor was recovering from a knee injury. While away with his team, his home in Florida was broken into for the first time. The intruder left a kitchen knife on the bed but didn’t take anything significant. A week later, Taylor was at his Palmetto Bay home with his girlfriend and child. Burglars, unaware he was home, broke in. Around 1:30 a.m., Taylor and his girlfriend woke up to noises.
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Taylor grabbed a machete from under the bed for protection. Before they knew what was happening, the bedroom door opened, and shots were fired. Taylor was hit, and the gunman fled. Nothing was stolen from the home.
Sean Taylor’s Tragic Death
Taylor was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. He had lost a lot of blood and, despite efforts to save him, died at 3:30 a.m. on Nov. 27, 2007. Four men were later arrested for the invasion and shooting: Eric Rivera, Charles Wardlow, Venjah Hunte, and Jason Mitchell. Rivera, 17 at the time, was accused of shooting Taylor and went to trial in 2013.
Sean Taylor died 15 years ago today.
Taylor was defending his fiancée and his 18-month-old daughter when he was shot by burglars. He was 24 years old. pic.twitter.com/yULrEXh0S0
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) November 27, 2022
Impact Player at the University of Miami
At the University of Miami, Taylor joined a successful football program. As a freshman, he played on special teams and had significant tackles, helping Miami win their fifth national title. In his sophomore year, Taylor replaced Ed Reed, who had moved to the NFL. He became well-known with 87 tackles, four interceptions, and a blocked kick.
Miami ended that season with a 12-1 record, going to the Fiesta Bowl. In the Fiesta Bowl, despite a critical mistake, Taylor had 11 tackles and two interceptions. Miami lost in a double-overtime game against Ohio State. Taylor continued to excel in 2003, becoming one of the top defensive backs in college football.
