(S2) - Weekend PT #6 - Childhood Hero

[manicmav36]

Growing up in the Midwest, there weren't many options for favorite teams and I didn't want to be like EVERYONE else, and cheer for the Chiefs. Instead, i decided to cheer for players. My favorite player to cheer for growing up was always Jason Taylor. The man was an absolute beast!
In college, Taylor was a 3 year starter and 4-time letter winner for the Akron Zips. He stood at 6'6" but weighed in at a very light 240 pounds. Becuase of this, he was passed up by teams multiple times. He was finally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 3rd round (same round as me!) and immediately made everyone who passed on him regret it.
Not only is Taylor seventh on the all-time sack list, he also holds the career records for fumble returns for touchdowns, and interception returns for touchdowns amongst defensive linemen. Taylor was a 6-time pro bowler, a 4-time all-pro, and was named the NFL defensive player of the year in 2006. THe cherry on top though, would have to be his most recent award though, as he named a member of the 2017 NFL Hall of Fame class.
His accolades extended to off the field as well, however. He started the Jason Taylor Foundation to help impovershed children in south Florida and was also given the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2007 for all of his philathropic work. He was (and still is) a true inspiration both on and off the football field.