The big story in the sports world today is the death of Washington Redskins defensive back Sean Taylor.

Sean Taylor burst onto the NFL scene out of the University of Miami and although there were problems with agents and contract negotiations early on, when he stepped on the field he made his presence known.

During Taylor’s rookie year he finished second on the team in interceptions even though he saw limited action in the team’s first two games. He also had an impressive 86 tackles and one sack.

During 2005, Taylor’s second year in the NFL, he had two interceptions and returned a fumble for a touchdown. He had an unfortunate incident in the Redskins’ playoff victory against the Buccaneers where he spit on Bucs running back Michael Pittman that garnered a lot of negative press and overshadowed his season.

The 2006 season saw Taylor lead the Redskins in tackles with an amazing 129, though his interception total dropped to just one. He ended up making the pro bowl as an alternate and when starter Brian Dawkins of the Eagles couldn’t play, Taylor saw his first and only action as a Pro-Bowl football player.

During his fourth NFL season Sean Taylor was tied for the league lead in interceptions and appeared to be on his way to another pro bowl appearance. Having spent weeks 11 and 12 unable to play due to injury, Taylor was at his home in Florida when an apparent intruder shot him. Sean Taylor passed away the next day while in the hospital.

Sean Taylor: April 1, 1983 - November 27, 2007