Rest in Peace: Sean Taylor's Five Most Badass Moments

On the fifth-year anniversary of his death, check out the best of the Grim Reaper.

Nov 27, 2012
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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Complex Original

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...

RELATED: The 50 Most Brutal Hits in NFL History (Video)

Bonus: Reggie Wayne, Shook One

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Image via Complex Original

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

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Date: 10/13/2001

Is that P.K. Sam or Kerri Strug?

4. Pick Rix

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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