Miami Dolphins Trade Jason Taylor

Where or where did my wonderful Dolphins go? I think it started back when Don Shula retired then Dan Marino and since then it has never been the same. Over the years I have watched some of my favorite players come and go from the team. This of course is normal in the NFL. The past few years it has been tough being a Dolphins fan. We no longer live in the era of continued winning season or watching the long list of great players like Csonka, Clayton, Duper, Roby, Stoyanovich, Stephenson and Warfield to name just a few. Dolphins fans have a had a little light in that dark tunnel with Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor. They have both been strong, consistent, and continued to be among the NFL's best players in their positions. I was devastated to say the least when it was announced that Thomas was no longer part of the team. It has been known that Taylor was not happy with all of the changes that were being made with the team and rumors of him wanting out floated around for a while. Today it is official Taylor has been traded to the Washington Redskins. (Of course he has to go to my brother's favorite team) Another sad day in the Dolphins history. So long# 99 it was great while it lasted! I just wonder when things are going to look good again for Miami fans.

Dolphins Trade Jason Taylor To Washington For A Pair Of Draft Picks

July 20, 2008

By Andy Kent
Special for MiamiDolphins.com

Five months after the Zach Thomas era came to an end in Miami, the book was closed on the Dolphins career of his brother-in-law, Jason Taylor.

Miami's all-time leader in sacks was traded today to the Washington Redskins in exchange for two undisclosed draft picks. The 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and six-time Pro Bowler will play his 12th season in the league for a division rival of Thomas' new team, the Dallas Cowboys, but leaves behind enough memories to satisfy the most passionate Dolphins fans, including Dolphins Managing General Partner Wayne Huizenga.

"As you might imagine, this is a bit overwhelming right now and I probably need a little time to digest it all," Taylor, who has played for nobody else but the Dolphins, said. "I love Miami, will always cherish my 11 years with the Dolphins and can't thank Mr. Huizenga, Bryan Wiedmeier and countless coaches and teammates enough for what they have all done. I will be a Dolphins fan now and wish them the best.

Taylor, 33, has recorded 117 career sacks, and his 100.5 this decade are the most in the NFL. He also has scored more touchdowns (8) than any defensive lineman in the history of the league, and his 130 consecutive starts are the most in franchise history. Off the field, Taylor was recognized for his charity work when he was received the 2007 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

"I want to thank Jason for all of his contributions to the Dolphins and to South Florida," said Huizenga, who was the team's primary owner when Taylor was drafted in the third round (73rd overall) out of the University of Akron in 1997. "Ever since he joined the team as a rookie he has been outstanding on the field and a leader in our community. Whether it was his intensity between the lines or his commitment to his charitable works, he made a lasting impact here. I will miss Jason, and on behalf of the entire Dolphins organization I want to wish him the best of success with the Redskins."

Taylor helped revolutionize his position as his combination of speed and size (6-6, 255 pounds) gave opposing offensive linemen fits. He was equally effective as a down lineman rushing out of a three-point stance and as a hybrid linebacker coming off the edge standing up, and the fact that he excelled in a variety of defensive schemes under five different head coaches is a testament to his abilities. He registered 453 career tackles during his time with the Dolphins.

Unfortunately, his lengthy stint on "Dancing With The Stars," where he finished second to Olympic gold medal-winning figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, prevented Taylor from being able to showcase his talents for Dolphins first-year Head Coach Tony Sparano and his coaching staff.

"Tony Sparano is great and I know I would have enjoyed working with him," Taylor said. "And what can I say about the fans? This town has been supportive beyond belief, through good times and bad and I wish I could thank everyone personally. Having said that, I'm looking forward to meeting with Mr. Snyder and getting to know my new coaches and teammates. I'm just proud to be representing our nation's capital as a Redskin."

Washington found itself in desperate need of a pass rushing defensive end after 13-year veteran Phillip Daniels suffered a season-ending knee ligament injury on the first day of training camp.

Second-year defensive end Alex Buzbee ruptured his Achilles' tendon during the same practice, opening the door for the Redskins to quickly put together a deal with the Dolphins.

"We acquired a perennial Pro Bowl player and one of the NFL's top pass rushers," Redskins executive vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato told Redskins.com. "He is a great leader who will fit in very well with our team. We feel that Jason is a great addition on the field as well as off the field.

"He is a playmaker who can do so many different things for us on defense."

First-year Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland had nothing but words of praise for what Taylor has meant to the franchise.

"Like Mr. Huizenga, I also would like to thank Jason for his contributions to the Dolphins," Ireland said. "He has been a valued member of this organization and we appreciate all he has done both on and off the field. We wish him the best in Washington."

Miami opens training camp on Saturday, and players are scheduled to report Friday.