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Taylor’s death magnifies life
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Related Topics: WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON (Map, News) - I remember when I met Sean Taylor for the first time. He was fresh out of college and had the physical tools and strength of a grown man. But he was nothing like I expected. He was quiet, even shy, but eventually he let his teammates in, revealing what type of man he really was.
This week I assume I share many of the same thoughts as the current and past Redskins who had the privilege of working with Sean: How can life be so cruel? I know Sean was great, and I know he could have been the best ever at the position, but as a retired player, one who is experiencing for the first time what life is like outside of the game, I believe he would have been better at life. In many ways, all of the players in this league, regardless of where they came from, are built the same. We are all disciplined, structured, and tireless workers. We don’t know how to fail. We welcome challenges and smile in the face of adversity. We play the game with our hearts and then give them back to the ones we love afterwards.
Sean Taylor was no different.
He was a partner on the field, and a father at home. He was just beginning his life. Forget about the game, because it ends faster than it starts. It is just a blip, a moment, a chapter, in the real game of life; Sean’s ending came too soon. Since my retirement, I’ve realized that the outside world, the one that exists away from the inner circles of professional football, is awe-inspiring, and a gift to us all. This game prepares us for the life that follows. It shapes us all, coaches and players alike, making us believers of the good things in life, preparing us for the tough days ahead.
I just wish the tough days didn’t come so soon.
Tuesday was difficult because I lost a teammate. I never lost a teammate before, but I believe the Redskins will play as well as they can this weekend. I’m sure it will be on their minds, but teams usually rally around a situation like this.
For those who didn’t know Sean, they were probably misled. He worked hard, treated his teammates and coaches with respect, and played for the guy next to him. He was capable of great things in life.
I never look back on my playing days and think about the games, the wins and losses. I think about my teammates, the men I played with — and I lost one this week.
Players come and go in this league, but the relationships with the men you meet are irreplaceable.
Former Redskins safety Matt Bowen, a seven-year NFL veteran, contributes a weekly column to The Examiner during the NFL season.
Comments from Examiner Readers
11:03 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 10, 2008 re: "Williams is the best choice for Redskins"
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10:02 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 10, 2008
re: "Williams is the best choice for Redskins"
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8:53 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 10, 2008
re: "No need to look outside, Williams is the best choice"
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8:08 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 10, 2008
re: "No need to look outside, Williams is the best choice"
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10:17 PM MST on Sat., Dec. 29, 2007
re: "Separating the ‘guy’ from the backup QB"
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7:40 AM MST on Fri., Dec. 28, 2007
re: "Separating the ‘guy’ from the backup QB"
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1:47 PM MST on Fri., Nov. 30, 2007
re: "Taylor’s death magnifies life"
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10:30 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007
re: "Warner impressive, throbbing elbow and all"
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4:58 PM MST on Fri., Sep. 28, 2007
re: "Skins at home in Tampa Two"
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12:54 PM MST on Wed., Sep. 26, 2007
re: "Skins at home in Tampa Two"
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GAB said:
My crystal ball is analog and the world is digital now, so I'll go with my gut feelings. Snyder is going to hire Williams. He has to go through the motions, but I think he's actually beginning to learn how to run a football team, thanks to Gibbs' mentoring. Now, watch him hire Cowhers and prove me wrong!
105 agree | 89 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Yeh Danny, Williams is a good fit. DO NOT go out and try to change things around again. It didn't work in the past nor will it work now. Less of course you want to start losing your fans? The wheels are in motion, so let them continue to spin. If not for a few close loses last season, we would have hosted the Seahawks as opposed to going there. That should tell you something right there. Williams for HC position and bring in O cho Cinco to compliment Moss.
94 agree | 102 disagree
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Dan said:
Greg Williams is the best choice for the job of coaching the Washington Redskins. The team doesn't need to look any further.
124 agree | 111 disagree
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S.Bishop said:
I totally agree! I love Greg Williams and think he is absolutley the best fit!! Comment from a life long Redskin Fan
100 agree | 102 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Collins takes less risk in my opinion, and simply makes the smart choice with the ball. Good article!
103 agree | 91 disagree
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Gabe said:
Matt, I hope you know how many skins fans stop to read your columns. You are great and keep up the amazing, intelligent, and insightful work.
110 agree | 108 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Thank you Matt Bowen. It's good to hear insights from those who knew the man as opposed to the wild speculations and insinuations of those who garner attention by thoughtlessly rehashing dismissed accusations.
130 agree | 127 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I was glad to read Matt Bowen's column on the game performance by Curt Warner...he proved to be a competitive warrior and as I watched it seemed like a throw back to NFL "heart" of years ago not seen as frequently these days. I'm sure Cardinal players were motivated by his gutsy showing---maybe Russ Grimm can bring back such traits when he becomes a head coach. Between Vinny Testaverde and Curt Warner I see an add for AARP in the off season---these vets are showing true NFL grit.
163 agree | 155 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Matt Bowen - enjoyed watching you play. Also enjoyed your revealing article on Skins and the Tampa 2. I say 'revealing' because this summer I had read that the Skins would play Cover 1 and Cover 3 more than Cover 2. I assume Tampa 2 and Cover 2 are pretty much the same.
190 agree | 212 disagree
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Overpaid Al said:
This defense requires a strict discipline in coverage area and reaction. It is challenged by the same routes run by every team. Sunday, the Giants kept sending tight end Jeremy Shockey down the seam against Fletcher, and had receiver Plaxico Burress sit down in the holes vacated by defenders. Three major routes can beat the Tampa 2: the 7-route (hitch, corner), where they sneak in a corner route behind the corner and in front of the safety; four verticals where they put two seam routes on Fletcher, and the outside vertical stretch (flat-corner-go route), where they run off the safety and hit the 7-route over the corner. Ok if its so obvious to Bowen then why wasn't this the least bit apparent to a coaching staff grossing millions of dollars a season in income. Maybe Matt Bowen should be hired on to help Overpaid Al!!!
214 agree | 220 disagree
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