The tragic death of 24-year-old Pro Bowl safety Sean Taylor stunned the NFL like few other events.
Taylor's family, former teammates, and coaches, as well as his life and untimely death, have preserved his legacy for nearly two decades.
Taylor's life and death have become part of American mythology. We honor deceased sportsmen and celebrities.
Start at the beginning to discover Taylor's life and death. Florida City Births a Star
Sean Taylor was born on April 1, 1983, in Florida City, Florida, where his father, Pedro Taylor, would become police chief.
Taylor played tackle football with the Homestead Hurricanes at age 6. Defensive lineman No. 66 was the future Pro Bowl safety.
Florida Football Legend Taylor, a two-way star at Gulliver Prep in Coral Gables, was a legend in Florida high school football.
Taylor played running back, defensive back, and linebacker as Gulliver Prep went 14-1 and won the Class 2A state championship as a senior in 2000. Taylor missed Gulliver Prep's sole loss, the season opener.
Taylor, 6-foot-2 and 212 pounds, ran for 1,400 yards and scored 44 touchdowns. Three touchdowns in the state final game over Marianna High. He won the Class 2A state 100-meter dash.
Taylor was a high school football All-American and a top prospect by numerous recruiting agencies, receiving offers from all of the nation's best college football institutions.