I come into this post with mixed emotions about the recent news of the release of Jacksonville Jaguar running back (and superstar) Fred Taylor. Taylor has always been my favorite football player, all the way from his days as a Florida Gator. From the moment he stepped foot in the Swamp till his last game in teal and black, Fred has been a class act and a dominant force on the field.

The Jaguars are under a new regime now, and managed by Gene Smith. In just a few weeks on the job, Smith has released dead beats Drayton Florence and Jerry Porter, along with the expected release of Mike Peterson and Khalif Barnes soon. Smith’s job is to rebuild the Jaguars into a contender at any cost, even if it means releasing a fan favorite in Fred Taylor.

I’m not going to argue that Fred Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame… because at this point in his career he won’t get in no matter what anyone says. His 4.6 ypc just isn’t enough to carry him to enshrinement.

I will miss watching Fred Taylor in a Jaguar uniform. There’s no doubt in my mind he’ll land on a new team this season, probably with a contender like the Colts. Some of my favorite memories of Fred Taylor include:

• 90+ yard against the Dolphins in the playoffs
• Running over Mike Doss for a touchdown
• Running over a Titan on his way to 10,000 yards
• Rushing for 234 against the Steelers

For those of you who don’t know Freddy. When he entered the league,  he was the fastest player on the field. Bar None! He had a unique combination of size, strength, agility and quickness that only comes around once in a lifetime. Not only would he knock your ass on the ground, but he’d accelerate after it and outrun every defender for a touchdown. Check out these highlights, some of which came as recently as last year!

Fred Taylor in College

Fred Taylor in 2007

Fred Taylor Again