UAZip0510 Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 Taylor's Farewell Speech to the Dolphins - http://deadspin.com/5872453/ ESPN's "Face of the Program" Feature on Taylor - http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/face/team?teamId=2006 JT finishes his career with 774 tackles and 139.5 sacks (6th all-time). He was a 6-time Pro-Bowler and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2006. He is widely recognized for his charitable work, winning the 2007 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. While at Akron, he was a four year letterman, three-year starter, and an All-American as a junior. He also lettered for the basketball team. I hope you will all join me in Canton to see JT get inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a few years. It would be nice to see a large contingent of Blue and Gold there. Hopefully UA has some sort of "Jason Taylor Day" in the near future, either next season or when he gets inducted. I'd also love to see #33 retired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UAZipster0305 Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 As a Dolphins fan and a Zips alum, thank you JT for your great play and representing both the Dolphins and UA admirably. Looking forward to seeing you as the first Zip in the HOF! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zip_ME87 Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 I hope you will all join me in Canton to see JT get inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a few years. It would be nice to see a large contingent of Blue and Gold there. Hopefully UA has some sort of "Jason Taylor Day" in the near future, either next season or when he gets inducted. When he gets inducted would be excellent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skip-zip Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 Hopefully UA has some sort of "Jason Taylor Day" in the near future, either next season or when he gets inducted. Did you miss the Marshall game a few years ago? How do we do that all over again? Would be kinda strange. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mes102 Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottditzen Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 Family on Three.... What a class act. Very glad to have known him in class. Truly a friendly and genuine cat. And it's been so fun rooting for him this whole time. Getting to see him make plays on the big stage for all these years was a real blessing. Congrats on a great career, you are the greatest Zip ever. Don't be a stranger Jason!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue & Gold Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 Congrats on a great career, you are the greatest Zip ever. Don't be a stranger Jason!!! +1.Probably my favorite Zip all time. He was the team stud when I first really started passionately identifying with UA football. I remember being so proud watching JT play (on Christmas Day, IIRC) & wear the Akron helmet in the Army All-American Bowl. Scouts were always concerned with his lack of bulk, but he was clearly the best player on the field that day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GP1 Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 2012 Modern Era HOF Nominees When the time comes for JT to get voted into the HOF, many of these same players will be on the list. Other than Tomlinson, I can't think of anyone other player who might retire this year to add to the list five years from now. There are also some players who have retired in the last four years who cannot be on the list yet. Given the list and then high number of player the NFL puts in the HOF every year, I think there is a VERY good chance JT is a first ballot HOFer. Maybe interesting to talk about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZipRoo Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 It can't hurt to take advantage of Jason's retirement and newsworthiness this season. Above all, RECRUITS need to see that there is definitely hope of an NFL career for Akron alums, despite the Zips' record, conference, history, or 'image' as a smaller school. Anything Coach Bowden can do to entice JT to place a phone call, meet recruits/families face-to-face, or otherwise assist in the quick rebuild of our program will be a big boost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Class of 82 Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 Two things I'll forever remember about Jason Taylor's time in Akron: 1) That game at the Rubber Bowl against a ranked Virginia Tech team where he had a bushel of tackles, several sacks, an interception (I think), a forced fumble (and recovery) on kick-off coverage, and a blocked kick (extra point?). Don't remember the exact stat line, but it was the most impressive performance by a Zips defender probably ever. NFL scouts were there to watch a highly-touted VT DT, and Taylor absolutely stole the show and got him the national notice he so richly deserved. It was a miserable November night, weather wise, but I am so glad I was there to see what he did. Only a win could have made it sweeter. (EDIT: Found the stat line from the 1996 VT game: 12 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, three stops for loss and tackled a punt returner in the end zone for a safety. Named AP's NCAA Defensive Player of the Week.) 2) The fact that he agreed to play basketball (as a junior, I think?) on an absolutely awful Coleman Crawford team because he wanted to help his school. He wasn't a great b-ball player, but he was better than any of the big men Crawford (worst Zips bb coach ever?) had. I think I admired that genuine sense of school pride and loyalty that Jason showed more than just about anything. A big and great athlete. But an even bigger and greater person. Congrats to him on an amazing NFL career. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue & Gold Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 1) That game at the Rubber Bowl against a ranked Virginia Tech team where he had a bushel of tackles, several sacks, an interception (I think), a forced fumble (and recovery) on kick-off coverage, and a blocked kick (extra point?). Don't remember the exact stat line, but it was the most impressive performance by a Zips defender probably ever. NFL scouts were there to watch a highly-touted VT DT, and Taylor absolutely stole the show and got him the national notice he so richly deserved. It was a miserable November night, weather wise, but I am so glad I was there to see what he did. Only a win could have made it sweeter. (EDIT: Found the stat line from the 1996 VT game: 12 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, three stops for loss and tackled a punt returner in the end zone for a safety. Named AP's NCAA Defensive Player of the Week.) Ah, perhaps my favorite Zips football memory outside, of course, of the MAC Championship game -vs- Northrn Illinois. I don't even remember the name of 14th-ranked Virginia Tech's All-American DE that JT completely out-classed. I also remember the crowd erupting when Willie Spencer threw a last-minute TD to bring the Zips to within 10 (IIRC). Even though the Zips still had no chance of actually winning the game, the pride & tangible sense of community in the Rubber Bowl that night was epic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDZip Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 Peter King spent a little time talking wth Jason on SI.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyzip84 Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 1) That game at the Rubber Bowl against a ranked Virginia Tech team where he had a bushel of tackles, several sacks, an interception (I think), a forced fumble (and recovery) on kick-off coverage, and a blocked kick (extra point?). Don't remember the exact stat line, but it was the most impressive performance by a Zips defender probably ever. NFL scouts were there to watch a highly-touted VT DT, and Taylor absolutely stole the show and got him the national notice he so richly deserved. It was a miserable November night, weather wise, but I am so glad I was there to see what he did. Only a win could have made it sweeter. (EDIT: Found the stat line from the 1996 VT game: 12 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, three stops for loss and tackled a punt returner in the end zone for a safety. Named AP's NCAA Defensive Player of the Week.) Ah, perhaps my favorite Zips football memory outside, of course, of the MAC Championship game -vs- Northrn Illinois. I don't even remember the name of 14th-ranked Virginia Tech's All-American DE that JT completely out-classed. I also remember the crowd erupting when Willie Spencer threw a last-minute TD to bring the Zips to within 10 (IIRC). Even though the Zips still had no chance of actually winning the game, the pride & tangible sense of community in the Rubber Bowl that night was epic. That was a great football game. Has a Zip defense EVER played better? I believe the Va Tech DE was Cornell Brown. B&G, my memory is that we were down by around ten (more than one score) when Spencer hit the TD pass on the very last play of the game. I think we might have even went for two and converted (even though there was no time for any onside kick), making the final deficit 2 points? EDIT: We were both wrong apparently! Spencer must have been injured/benched, because the box score shows Mike Junko as having completed the TD on the last play of the game. Plus, the Zips only converted the extra point (no 2 point attempt like I first thought). What's the first thing to go? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Z Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 Anything Coach Bowden can do to entice JT to place a phone call, meet recruits/families face-to-face, or otherwise assist in the quick rebuild of our program will be a big boost.Never thought of that. JT might be able to help him recruit the Miami area (since he lives there) as coach Bowden suggested he was going to do in his interview yesterday with Tim Brando. Maybe he'll just use his dad, I'm not sure were Bobby lives, but I think it's in Florida too, northern maybe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Class of 82 Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 1) That game at the Rubber Bowl against a ranked Virginia Tech team where he had a bushel of tackles, several sacks, an interception (I think), a forced fumble (and recovery) on kick-off coverage, and a blocked kick (extra point?). Don't remember the exact stat line, but it was the most impressive performance by a Zips defender probably ever. NFL scouts were there to watch a highly-touted VT DT, and Taylor absolutely stole the show and got him the national notice he so richly deserved. It was a miserable November night, weather wise, but I am so glad I was there to see what he did. Only a win could have made it sweeter. (EDIT: Found the stat line from the 1996 VT game: 12 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, three stops for loss and tackled a punt returner in the end zone for a safety. Named AP's NCAA Defensive Player of the Week.) Ah, perhaps my favorite Zips football memory outside, of course, of the MAC Championship game -vs- Northrn Illinois. I don't even remember the name of 14th-ranked Virginia Tech's All-American DE that JT completely out-classed. I also remember the crowd erupting when Willie Spencer threw a last-minute TD to bring the Zips to within 10 (IIRC). Even though the Zips still had no chance of actually winning the game, the pride & tangible sense of community in the Rubber Bowl that night was epic. One of the neat things I also remember about that game was the weather, with wind-driven sleet flying in from the open end. The wind direction ensured abject misery on the visitors' sideline, while the Zips' side was pretty well protected by the mass of the building. Huge advantage, and along with Taylor's epic night, it helped keep the game at least close. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottditzen Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 1) That game at the Rubber Bowl against a ranked Virginia Tech team where he had a bushel of tackles, several sacks, an interception (I think), a forced fumble (and recovery) on kick-off coverage, and a blocked kick (extra point?). Don't remember the exact stat line, but it was the most impressive performance by a Zips defender probably ever. NFL scouts were there to watch a highly-touted VT DT, and Taylor absolutely stole the show and got him the national notice he so richly deserved. It was a miserable November night, weather wise, but I am so glad I was there to see what he did. Only a win could have made it sweeter. (EDIT: Found the stat line from the 1996 VT game: 12 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, three stops for loss and tackled a punt returner in the end zone for a safety. Named AP's NCAA Defensive Player of the Week.) Ah, perhaps my favorite Zips football memory outside, of course, of the MAC Championship game -vs- Northrn Illinois. I don't even remember the name of 14th-ranked Virginia Tech's All-American DE that JT completely out-classed. I also remember the crowd erupting when Willie Spencer threw a last-minute TD to bring the Zips to within 10 (IIRC). Even though the Zips still had no chance of actually winning the game, the pride & tangible sense of community in the Rubber Bowl that night was epic. That was a great football game. Has a Zip defense EVER played better? I believe the Va Tech DE was Cornell Brown. B&G, my memory is that we were down by around ten (more than one score) when Spencer hit the TD pass on the very last play of the game. I think we might have even went for two and converted (even though there was no time for any onside kick), making the final deficit 2 points? I seem to remember (with no time left) we scored on a ridiculous series of laterals to apparently win. Except there we a flag on us... I'm senile though. Anyone else remember that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyzip84 Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 I seem to remember (with no time left) we scored on a ridiculous series of laterals to apparently win. Except there we a flag on us... I'm senile though. Anyone else remember that? I edited my previous post to add the box score from the game. It does indicate 14 seconds on the clock when we scored the TD, so maybe the ending was even crazier than I first recalled? Skip-zip where are you???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue & Gold Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 1) That game at the Rubber Bowl against a ranked Virginia Tech team where he had a bushel of tackles, several sacks, an interception (I think), a forced fumble (and recovery) on kick-off coverage, and a blocked kick (extra point?). Don't remember the exact stat line, but it was the most impressive performance by a Zips defender probably ever. NFL scouts were there to watch a highly-touted VT DT, and Taylor absolutely stole the show and got him the national notice he so richly deserved. It was a miserable November night, weather wise, but I am so glad I was there to see what he did. Only a win could have made it sweeter. (EDIT: Found the stat line from the 1996 VT game: 12 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, three stops for loss and tackled a punt returner in the end zone for a safety. Named AP's NCAA Defensive Player of the Week.) Ah, perhaps my favorite Zips football memory outside, of course, of the MAC Championship game -vs- Northrn Illinois. I don't even remember the name of 14th-ranked Virginia Tech's All-American DE that JT completely out-classed. I also remember the crowd erupting when Willie Spencer threw a last-minute TD to bring the Zips to within 10 (IIRC). Even though the Zips still had no chance of actually winning the game, the pride & tangible sense of community in the Rubber Bowl that night was epic. That was a great football game. Has a Zip defense EVER played better? I believe the Va Tech DE was Cornell Brown. B&G, my memory is that we were down by around ten (more than one score) when Spencer hit the TD pass on the very last play of the game. I think we might have even went for two and converted (even though there was no time for any onside kick), making the final deficit 2 points? I seem to remember (with no time left) we scored on a ridiculous series of laterals to apparently win. Except there we a flag on us... I'm senile though. Anyone else remember that? I remember the play you're referring to. I don't remember precisely when, in the game, it occurred, but I'm fairly certain it wasn't the final play of the game. I think this was the blocked extra-point attempt someone referred to earlier. IIRC JT recovered the blocked kick, returned it about 90-yards down the VT sideline & lateralled it to George Cameron for the final 5-10 yards & the score. But it didn't count for some reason that I can't remember. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyzip84 Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 I remember the play you're referring to. I don't remember precisely when, in the game, it occurred, but I'm fairly certain it wasn't the final play of the game. I think this was the blocked extra-point attempt someone referred to earlier. IIRC JT recovered the blocked kick, returned it about 90-yards down the VT sideline & lateralled it to George Cameron for the final 5-10 yards & the score. But it didn't count for some reason that I can't remember. I think you're right, B&G. That play might have been in the 1st half. The Zips really jumped all over the Hokies at the beginning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottditzen Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 Yeah thanks for helping clear that up, it's funny how the memory gets clouded ha ha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZipsFan Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 As a Miami Dolphin fan since 1972, I am so glad that Jason came "home" to finish his NFL career. One of the greatest players and role models a team could ever ask for. Congratulations on a wonderful career - looking forward to seeing what his next chapter will be! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zip_ME87 Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 Nice article and billboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UAZipster0305 Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 On the main CNN page: http://www.hlntv.com/article/2012/01/02/ja...peech?hpt=hp_t3 Just saw that it was the same link as Zips_ME87 posted. Sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skip-zip Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 Ah, perhaps my favorite Zips football memory outside, of course, of the MAC Championship game -vs- Northrn Illinois. I don't even remember the name of 14th-ranked Virginia Tech's All-American DE that JT completely out-classed. I also remember the crowd erupting when Willie Spencer threw a last-minute TD to bring the Zips to within 10 (IIRC). Even though the Zips still had no chance of actually winning the game, the pride & tangible sense of community in the Rubber Bowl that night was epic. That was a great football game. Has a Zip defense EVER played better? I believe the Va Tech DE was Cornell Brown. B&G, my memory is that we were down by around ten (more than one score) when Spencer hit the TD pass on the very last play of the game. I think we might have even went for two and converted (even though there was no time for any onside kick), making the final deficit 2 points? I seem to remember (with no time left) we scored on a ridiculous series of laterals to apparently win. Except there we a flag on us... I'm senile though. Anyone else remember that? I remember the play you're referring to. I don't remember precisely when, in the game, it occurred, but I'm fairly certain it wasn't the final play of the game. I think this was the blocked extra-point attempt someone referred to earlier. IIRC JT recovered the blocked kick, returned it about 90-yards down the VT sideline & lateralled it to George Cameron for the final 5-10 yards & the score. But it didn't count for some reason that I can't remember. Great game. We actually led in the 3rd Q before VT scores back to back TDs to take a commanding lead. The late TD pass was thrown by Mike Junko. Funny that it happened the week after we got pummelled by Ohio U. And it ended up being a bad season, even with this remarkable defensive effort holding a ranked team to 21 pts. It's one of the best examples i have ever seen of a defensive lineman taking over a game. They had no answer for him. He spent a lot of that game in the VT backfield. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GP1 Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 I don't even remember the name of 14th-ranked Virginia Tech's All-American DE that JT completely out-classed. Cornell Brown? John Engelberger was also on that team...During his NFL career in Denver, he dated a former Zips WBB player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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