Taylor wins award

Even though the 1-15 Miami Dolphins finished so far out of contention that the Super Bowl seems like some kind of imaginary event, there was one Dolphin proudly representing the franchise at the league's premier event.

Before the game began, Jason Taylor was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year.

This award is the NFL's only one that recognizes both on-field excellence as well as off-field service to the community.

According to the team's official site:

"Taylor, the Dolphins’ all-time career sack leader and six-time Pro Bowl selection, established the Jason Taylor Foundation (JTF) in 2004 with a mission of creating programs that assist South Florida’s children in need by focusing on improved health care, education and quality of life. In 2007, the JTF contributed nearly $320,000 to numerous programs and organizations dedicated to assisting young people, and launched the ‘Jason Taylor Reading Room’ in Miramar, Fla., an after-school program designed to address illiteracy among inner-city youth. Taylor also contributed $50,000 to the Holtz Children’s Hospital in Miami to support the ‘Jason Taylor Children’s Learning Center,’ a recreational and educational hub for hospitalized children."

In this day and age, when the character of players is of the utmost importance, it is important to take the time to recognize and appreciate the fact that the Dolphins have one of the greatest on-field/off-field players in the league.

Thank you, Jason Taylor.