Image via Complex Original
Sean Taylor passed away only five years ago—he died on November 27, 2007 at the age of 24—but somehow it feels like a lot longer. Maybe it's because he left so suddenly, without warning. Or maybe it's because the speed of the modern news cycle doesn't allow time to meditate on a single tragedy. Whatever the case, in only four years of professional football with the Washington Redskins (and three years at The U), Taylor left behind a few highlight reels worth of amazing plays. As we remember the hard-hitting safety today, we put together Sean Taylor's Five Most Badass Moments. The Grim Reaper will live forever...
Bonus: Reggie Wayne, Shook One
Date: 2/12/2006
We tried to limit it to five but the intimidation factor on this clip was too great not to include. Nobody wants to get his bell rung in the meaningless Pro Bowl. So, with the Grim Reaper patrolling the middle for the NFC, we can't blame Reggie Wayne for catching a case of alligator arms. We would, too. This, though? Inexcusable.
5. P.K. Sam Gets Flipped
Date: 10/13/2001
Is that P.K. Sam or Kerri Strug?
4. Pick Rix
Date: 10/11/2003
Sean was channeling fellow Hurricane alum Ed Reed on this play, turning a weak pass into a TD for the U. Chris Rix, FAIL.
3. Lion Turned to Kitty
Date: 10/7/2007
A little context for the clip above: During pregame warm-ups, Lions safety Eric Frampton and Sean Taylor jawed at each other at midfield. Later on the game, the block above happened. Sean can hit, he can run, he can intercept...and oh yeah...dude can block. Frampton didn't utter a peep after that.
2. Pro Bowl Massacre
Date: 2/12/2006
Pro Bowl? Punter? Don't matter: Sean Taylor taught fools that—no matter the circumstances—it's go hard or go home.
1. The Best of the Best
Date: 2004-2007
There are plenty of Sean Taylor hit reels on YouTube—we watched pretty much all of them—but we'll give props to this one, simply because it has the most tolerable soundtrack (and actual snippets of game commentary). Anyway, check out the legend in action. Rest in peace, Sean Taylor.