Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

If any current Redskin had suffered this untimely and tragic death, I know we'd all be mourning and very sad today. But is it possible, as much as we hate to admit it, there's something a little more hurtful, if you will, about Sean Taylor's death. How did we come to like a player so much in such a short period of time? How did we seemingly look beyond his past transgressions and cheer so hard for him and got excited when he was in the lineup?

I hate to say it, but save maybe a guy like a Clinton Portis or a Jason Campbell, do we still mourn like this? To this extent? Why is this death, Taylor's death, so damn devastating? It's like one minute the guy is about to return from a knee sprain and the next minute he's gone. I can't fathom this.

Was Taylor just an athlete? More than an athlete or something we fixed in our minds and we're sorry to see a bad ending to our fairytale? I don't know...I'm just trying to get it all out.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

For me, it's how senseless it was. It's the fact he was murdered. It could have been the lowest of the low on the depth chart and I'd still feel similarly today.

I say similarly because ST was in our hearts and minds throughout the past few years. He was one of the first names of the Gibbs Era. I think that's what makes most people a little more attached to him.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

I think it would be devastating if any current Redskin player died.

I think many were rooting for him because he appeared to have straightened out his life. He was so young and had so much potential.

It just hurts from so many angles.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

For me, I think it was a combo of that fact that when I played football I looked at Sean Taylor and tried my best to be like him. Sean was not just my favorite Skin but he was my favorite player before he was on the Skins and I'm not a Hurricane fan.

What else really got me was that he just had a kid and the fact that he won't get to see her grow up, that's a punishment no one deserves. And he died protecting his family which to me is a very honorable death.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

it would be troubling if any of our skins died as previously stated. this death was so senseless and he was only beginning to see his true potential. theres no doubt he was on his way to being one of the most feared defenders in the league. but more importantly the man was only 24 yrs old, and had a child that will never know her father. it personally kills me inside to think about what was lost and what could have been.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

Not sure if I could answer that question and its one I do not want to find out the answer. People will say its not about football but ST brought so much excitment to the game everytime he stepped onto the field that cannot be replaced. I know that I only know ST as a football player and now I'll never have the chance to see him play again and I will greatly miss that.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

He was Gibbs first draft pick in his second tenure. There was so much talk about him. I think the way he grew and matured drew me to him. I've always loved the player, but he was becoming a true man before our eyes. His growth on and off the field, the fact that we had a unique opportunity to have the best player at his position in the whole league... He also saved his baby and fiancee's life. He stood between the attacker and his family. In that sense he is a hero.

Everyone here knows Redskins football is about a hell of a lot more than what happens on the field 16 Sundays a year. It's about family and tradition. Our franchise was a mess when Gibbs came back. Taylor and the organization have grown and stabilized together. Taylor is part of this family and always will be. I think the caliber of player, his growth as a man over the past few years, his quiet confidence and how much his teammates loved him, and the circumstances of his death all snowball into a massive wave of emotion.

Maybe I'm just rambling. I don't know exactly why I'm so devastated by this. But I am.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

The senseless part about this is what makes it so hard on me. And his age 24 years old...he had so much more life to live and to have it cut short in such a senseless act is what has me so messed up.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

I don't know why Sean Taylor's death has had such a profound effect on me. I am only a senior in high school, but all day long its been like I just wanna cry. Cry for Taylor, his family, the Redskins, and the NFL. Its been a really crappy day.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

Needless to say he was a fan favorite. His style of play and his reckless abandon with his body made it very easy to get on his bandwagon. I've always loved the tough guys like Riggo and Taylor. Guys like that played the game the way it is supposed to be played. 110 mph, 110% effort, leave it all on the field.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

Sean was different. I remember early on I was not a huge fan of his. I unknowingly thought he was a selfish player, out for himself, did not care about anyone else. I constantly was finding myself hoping he would not be another Ray Lewis. But then you watch him play. He played so hard, he always gave 100%, never quite. I started to admire the guy, I found myself telling my kids that is how you play, square up and hit someone, you cant play with fear. Then this pas preseason I went to camp with my kids and I payed special attention to Taylor. I saw the focus in his eyes, I say the enthusiasm and the love he had for the game. I did not have to talk to him I did not have to shout at him, I just knew by looking at him. Seeing him in person and watching the MEAST play ball is simply amazing. It would be hard to lose any Redskin in these circumstances no matter who it is. But maybe it is the fact we watched this man grow before our very eyes. I feel bad that I ever judged the way I did, I am glad however to have seen the error in my ways and realize that Sean was more than just a Redskin.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

It's troubling for a number of reasons, and I think particularly troubling given the circumstances.

He was the best player on the defense, if not the whole team, so obviously someone everyone paid a lot of attention to. I think, like Matty mentioned, he seemed to be getting his life straightened out and really getting on the right track. I think everyone loves to see someone pull themselves out of a mess and really make a better life.

The most poignant, painful aspect for me is that he's my age, he's got a daughter the same age as my daughter, and he died defending his family.

Not to speak poorly of anyone else, but there are famous figures who have died under less than stellar circumstances. Fights at strip clubs, overdose on cocaine, you name it.

Sean died while he was at home, with his family, trying to protect he people he loved. It doesn't get more tragic or heart rending than that.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

You know for me...I don't know...but it's like Taylor was right in between true greatness. I mean Hall of Fame greatness. He was beyond the collegiate level, and so we knew for sure he could compete at the professional ranks at a very high level. Then on the other hand, he wasn't quite there yet. It was the "on his way" that kills me so much. As bright as his star was beginning to shine, you knew it was only going to get brighter. That's the tragedy. We never got see that brightness fulfilled, and its fuc*in killing me.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;384639]Needless to say he was a fan favorite. His style of play and his reckless abandon with his body made it very easy to get on his bandwagon. I've always loved the tough guys like Riggo and Taylor. Guys like that played the game the way it is supposed to be played. 110 mph, 110% effort, leave it all on the field.[/QUOTE]

+1

Well said!

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

i think understand somewhat where you're going with this. my brother and i had just agreed when were in tampa before the game that he was our favorite player...

there's just something about sean and actually seeing, albeit from simply a fans eyes, him grow. as i look at pictures you really get a feel for just how young he is, he even seems younger than 24.

i guess i cant really explain what im thinking very well

:(

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

[QUOTE=atomicnixon;384634]I don't know why Sean Taylor's death has had such a profound effect on me. I am only a senior in high school, but all day long its been like I just wanna cry. Cry for Taylor, his family, the Redskins, and the NFL. Its been a really crappy day.[/QUOTE]

You pretty much summed it up for me. Over here we don't get much NFL news outside of nfl.com and Sky Sports. What really shocked me was popping onto the BBC new page to catch up on the days events at about 10:30AM and seeing the announcement there. He'd seemed to be improving when I went to bed last night (about 7PM your time) and then I read the news. I just sat there at my desk for about 10 minutes not knowing how to feel.

I haven't posted in here for a while, mainly because I've been busy and it's easier to go into alt.redskins and have a quick browse of the posts and get on again. But what really saddened me was dropping in there this evening and seeing inane drivel posted by morons purporting themselves to be football fans. I came back here for a bit of sanity and true reflection. In a curious kind of way I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling this way.

It's not just a loss to the Redskins, the NFL or the fans - it's a loss to a family, a loved one and a child that will never know her father as a dad, but more as a dead football player. :(

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

I don't think we'd mourn the same way if this had happened to say Asante Samuel or even Reed Doughty. It's not a bad thing, it's just the way it is. Sean Taylor was a Redskin (part of our favorite team). Not only that, but he was a uniquely gifted athlete who we are blessed to have seen play albeit for only a brief period of time. Speaking specifically about Taylor the player, guys like him come along once every decade or so in any sport.

But then at the same time, it just reaffirms the mortality of all of us, no matter how skilled you are at anything. And the suddenness (is that a word?) of it all. And it's scary.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

I probably had more negative things to say about Sean Taylor over the past four years than 99% of the folks on this board and the reason this is such a tragedy for me is the way in which he died.

It wasn't from a disease or some terrible accident. It was a homicide. Some other person(s) killed him. And that makes it doubly hard to deal with.

There is the loss of a player on an NFL football team who was becoming an icon to the fans of that team.

And there are the questions about why all of this happened because it wasn't a freak accident or a terrible disease. Who did it? Why? Could the teragedy have been averted by mediation? by intervention? by whatever?

When you add all those questions - none of which are answerable at the moment - to the tragic loss, that is why this loss is so troubling.

:twocents:

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

[QUOTE=firstdown;384627]Not sure if I could answer that question and its one I do not want to find out the answer. People will say its not about football but ST brought so much excitment to the game everytime he stepped onto the field that cannot be replaced. I know that I only know ST as a football player and now I'll never have the chance to see him play again and I will greatly miss that.[/QUOTE]
I think I am with you. I did not know him personally but only as a football player. I know of the things people say about him and can respect what others thought of him. But my opinion of him is mainly shaped by football and to me he wasn't just a good or great player but he always struck me as one of those guys who could transcend the game. A once in a lifetime type talent. So while the real tragedy here is that a father/son/brother was murderd...for us as fans our hero was killed. He wasn't our friend but he was someone we loved for football and all the plays he could have made all game changing athleticism that he could have exhibited we'll never get to see. And that just destroys me. Part of it is selfish but part of it is also that I know football was what he supposed to do. Not only was his life cut short but his purpose was cut short. And that is a damn shame. He had so much left to give to everyone. I am just so saddened by that.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

[quote=SmootSmack;384672]I don't think we'd mourn the same way if this had happened to say Asante Samuel or even Reed Doughty. It's not a bad thing, it's just the way it is. Sean Taylor was a Redskin (part of our favorite team). Not only that, but he was a uniquely gifted athlete who we are blessed to have seen play albeit for only a brief period of time. Speaking specifically about Taylor the player, guys like him come along once every decade or so in any sport.

But then at the same time, it just reaffirms the mortality of all of us, no matter how skilled you are at anything. And the suddenness (is that a word?) of it all. And it's scary.[/quote]


To be honest, that's one of things I'm sort of struggling with today. I wonder if I would mourn more or less, lose sleep over this, had it been another player. Say, somone not as note worthy?

Is that wrong, guys? Am I being shallow? Am I a bad person for thinking this of feeling this way?

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

I think when we look at it most of us probably share the same amount grief when ANYONE dies as it applies to family. I feel for any son/daughter/brother/sister/mother/father when their loved one dies. In this case we get the added grief of him being a Redskin. And on top of that he was just so damn awesome. He represented greatness. Not just as a football player but someone who had the chance to be the best ever.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

[QUOTE=12thMan;384680]To be honest, that's one of things I'm sort of struggling with today. I wonder if I would mourn more or less, lose sleep over this, had it been another player. Say, somone not as note worthy?

Is that wrong, guys? Am I being shallow? Am I a bad person for thinking this of feeling this way?[/QUOTE]

I have thought about that and I don't know whether to embarassed to say that for me another player probably would not be getting to me this much. The grief would be similiar but the feeling that we've all had something stolen from us would much less. It is undoubtedly selfish and I guess I am embarassed to say that but I think it is true. And I venture to guess a lot of us feel the same way.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

He was the rock of our defense. He was the best player on our team. He was a fan favorite. He was a brother, a son, a friend, a fiance, a teammate, and a hero. He had an 18 month old baby daughter. He was cut down in his prime. He had turned his life around. He had a big heart.

Simply put, he was Sean Taylor.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

No doubt, as others have already said, the loss of life of any Redskin would be devastating. You root for a team, you develop a special connection to the players, and when something like this happens, you feel awful. But there is also no question that Sean Taylor stood out for Redskin fans, and I think it has a lot to do with the fact that he never wore any other jersey as a pro. The bottom line is that what has stood out more about this franchise over the course of the last decade than anything else is its attempt to bring in so many players who have made their marks on other teams. This list is legion. Before Sean arrived, we saw the likes of Deion Sanders, Bruce Smith, Jeff George, Dana Stubblefield, Mark Carrier, etc., come and go. Since he arrived, we've seen ARE, Andre Carter, Santana Moss, Marcus Washington, Shawn Springs, and even Clinton Portis join the Redskin ranks. But Sean was from the start our own. He was a Redskin draft pick who became a superstar WHILE wearing the burgandy and gold. Who measures up? Lavar? Not quite. Sure, Lavar was a pro-bowler, but he was our best player during some of the franchise's most depressing years. Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen? Now there are two guys who we all probably have some special feelings for, and Cooley as well. But as much as we love them, isn't it true that Sean still stood out? I think it is true. Look, in addition to being a Redskin from the get-go, there is also the sheer football factor. What I mean by that this is the game of football, a truly violent game, and Sean walked around the field with that intense stare, with a level of confidence - and a swagger - that every football fan has to admit loving. I remember seeing on tv Lawrence Taylor saying to the crowd at the Meadowlands the day they retired his jersey that, while Lawrence Taylor could have played football for any NFL team, without the Giant fans there never would have been an L-T. Say what you will about LT, but what he was saying to Giant fans was that there was an inter-connection between the Giant fans love for LT and the degree to which he became a superstar. Giant fans loved Phil Sims and Jim Burt, but LT defined the Giants the way that Giant fans wanted the team defined, and LT thrived on that. I think that holds true for Sean and the Redskins. We were excited about him from the start, and he seemed to feed on that. Witness the many examples people have put up on this site about how he welcomed Redskin fanfare. Yeah, there was that same inter-connection. I definitely believe this has so much to do with why his death is impacting us all so sharply.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

It's very good question, actually.. I do not know the answer to this question - because almost all of us on this forums either never met him (including myself) or met him for short time.. But I really think that it's because all of us watched him grew up.. When he first came into NFL, he was a "really rookie." Until this year, I am sure we all can say that he is different than before.. And he gave Redskins a brand of toughness..

Just like someone said in earlier posts, when I was in HS and played football.. In my senior year, I told my coach that I wanted to move from CB to safety.. And it's all because of Sean, he made me want to be better player and want to be like him.. Even though my coach decided to move me to safety, I did not really achieve the goal but I played pretty good and better than I did at CB.. So I thank Sean for that..

And I mentioned in another post in another thread, in some ways I understood him.. In some ways, I am like him.. That's probably the mainly reason why it hit me hard..

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

[QUOTE=GridIron26;384698]It's very good question, actually.. I do not know the answer to this question - because almost all of us on this forums either never met him (including myself) or met him for short time.. But I really think that it's because all of us watched him grew up.. When he first came into NFL, he was a "really rookie." Until this year, I am sure we all can say that he is different than before.. And he gave Redskins a brand of toughness..

Just like someone said in earlier posts, when I was in HS and played football.. In my senior year, [B]I told my coach that I wanted to move from CB to safety.. And it's all because of Sean, he made me want to be better player and want to be like him.. Even though my coach decided to move me to safety, I did not really achieve the goal but I played pretty good and better than I did at CB.. So I thank Sean for that.. [/B]

And I mentioned in another post in another thread, in some ways I understood him.. In some ways, I am like him.. That's probably the mainly reason why it hit me hard..[/QUOTE]

I asked my coach the same thing, to move me from RB to safety, I also changed my jersey # to 21 when the senior that had it before me left. Even before Sean was dead I played every down to the fullest like I thought he would and now that he is, I'm going to try even harder.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

If someone had called me and said guess which Redskin player was just shot I would have said Sean Taylor. I just can't stop thinking about that. Who knows if his past has anything to do with this, but he did have a history being around a more violent type of world than most of us are familiar with. I mean you could see it in his eyes. He didn't grow up in a dangerous neighborhood by the way, but he found himself in dangerous neighborhoods quite a bit while he was growing up. I really want to know why someone came after him. What made them so angry. It's probably something completely insignificant and that is making me pretty mad. Mostly it's just a sad tragic thing for his family and friends and for his biggest fans. Us.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

Obviously he was one of the "Core Redskins", but I think the part that bothers me so much is that he was a bright young man who had turned the corner and "figured it out" after the birth of his daughter.

He made a few immature 18-22 year old mistakes (who hasn't), learned from them and was on the road to becoming a Hall of Fame caliber player, but more importantly a great husband and father.

His work ethic was unmatched as well as his enthusiasm for the game. To see a young man, who is doing all the right things, taken in the prime of his life by a low-life piece of vermin is what I believe is troubling us the most.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

I wonder too, if...there was something in Sean Taylor that was in us as well. And when he died a little part of us died, and that's what makes this so personal in a lot of ways.

I don't know.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

Such a senseless act of violence, over what?

Killing a young man that was just learning how to become a father, good citizen, good teammate, peaking in his career. All the good things you expect to do as you grow up and mature.

All snuffed out for nothing.

I sure hope they get these fools that commited this murder off the street quickly.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

[quote=SmootSmack;384672]I don't think we'd mourn the same way if this had happened to say Asante Samuel or even Reed Doughty. It's not a bad thing, it's just the way it is. Sean Taylor was a Redskin (part of our favorite team). Not only that, but he was a uniquely gifted athlete who we are blessed to have seen play albeit for only a brief period of time. Speaking specifically about Taylor the player, guys like him come along once every decade or so in any sport.[/quote]

I asked myself this question yesterday, and honestly, I don't think I would be nearly as upset, even if it was another Redskin like Rock Cartwright(one of my favorite Redskins).

Taylor was my favorite player, and has been since he was drafted. Like others have said, it has a lot to do with how he played the game; 100 miles an hour, balls to the wall, and fearless. He's the type of player that makes football fun to watch. He was the true anchor of this team. Even the other fan favorites get debated; [I]Is Campbell the Answer?, Portis vs Betts, What's Wrong with Santana[/I], but I don't ever recall a discussion about whether Taylor was the answer at free safety. As closed off as he was to the media, he was still a fan favorite because of his actions on the field.

I honestly feel like a distant friend of mine has died. It's strange. Outside of family and friends, I've never been this messed up about someone's passing. The only other athlete's passing that was mildly upsetting to me was Walter Payton, and that didn't eff my head up nearly as much.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

[quote=Slingin Sammy 33;384706]Obviously he was one of the "Core Redskins", but I think the part that bothers me so much is that he was a bright young man who had turned the corner and "figured it out" after the birth of his daughter.

He made a few immature 18-22 year old mistakes (who hasn't), learned from them and was on the road to becoming a Hall of Fame caliber player, but more importantly a great husband and father.

His work ethic was unmatched as well as his enthusiasm for the game. To see a young man, who is doing all the right things, taken in the prime of his life by a low-life piece of vermin is what I believe is troubling us the most.[/quote]

Yes I agree with that.. It is no question at all one of the reasons why Sean's death has impacted us all..

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

Also it's not very often when diehard fans are greeted with the type of news where they simply say. I don't care anything about the game of football right now. Just let him be alright and he won't ever have to play again.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

[QUOTE=wilsowilso;384714]Also it's not very often when diehard fans are greeted with the type of news where they simply say. I don't care anything about the game of football right now. Just let him be alright and he won't ever have to play again.[/QUOTE]

That's the paradox to me. All of the stuff I have posted, about being robbed of the joy of watching him. I would 100% do anything I could to have him alive but unable to play. We all could deal with him never playing again if he was alive. And I'd do it happily now.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

[QUOTE=FRPLG;384728]That's the paradox to me. All of the stuff I have posted, about being robbed of the joy of watching him. [B]I would 100% do anything I could to have him alive but unable to play[/B]. We all could deal with him never playing again if he was alive. And I'd do it happily now.[/QUOTE]

I agree wholeheartedly, I would love to just have him alive even if he could never play again.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

I don't know why it's hurt so much, but it feels like a buddy died. I know that sounds unbelievable, but when you've followed a guy for a number of years, seen his growth and gone through the ups and downs... it's like you don't know how much you really pay attention until they're gone.

I had just hit the bed when I heard the announcement on the radio at 3:30 a.m. PT. I was so devastated I couldn't even get out of bed to jump on the warpath... I couldn't sleep either. I feel so horrible for his family as well.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

For me it would be devasting to lose any redskin. I know it would. This guy I have loved and seen him grow as a player and as a man since he was 20. I have followed as much as I could of about Sean. when he was drafted a hope was born in me that this guy would be a piece of our return. He instilled hope with his play and god given ability to play. He loved football and you could tell from the first preseason game he played. I cheered for him. I felt bad for him as a player when the defense was holding the team on its back and the offense did nothing. I loved Sean Taylor as part of the Redskins family. I feel as if I know him. I loved his play and will remember him always.
WE WILL REMEMBER SEAN.

Also we have nothing to compare this too. There isn't another sport out there where a team lost the star in the middle of the season. this guy was like a Micheal Jordan type guy in my eyes.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

When I woke up this morning and saw that he died, I just stared at my computer screen. Sean Taylor was my favorite player of all-time and he can never be replaced...I wouldn't care if the Redskins forfeited the rest of their season. The way he played and the person he was becoming was amazing. I just cried for the first time since I can remember and I've never even met him.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

he is the most promising player in Joe gibbs era, irregardless of how the media continue to ruined his reputation. he is the trademark of our defense. what make this so sad is that he is young and is just starting to play his full potentential this season as he leads the NFC in interception. with laron out there he blossomed as the best safety in the NFL. but life and death, no one can control. life must go on.

Re: Why Is Taylor's Death So Troubling To Us?
 

I don't know what it is but I have been sad all day. I thought that he may have been in trouble yesterday but although I thought he might pass I was so optimistic that he would be fine. I can't explain it but I've been sad all day. I gone to all of my classes and I can't focus. I just hope that something like this never happens again. I live in Miami and they have been covering it all day. Its not really that bad out here the way reporters are making it seem. I hope the catch the killer.... RIP SEAN