I've been sitting here shocked (in between trips to the fridge for more beer) for the better part of 4 hours ...
"#99" had been one of my top-3 favorite Dolphins players ever (Dan & Zach being the others) - I used to envision the day when I'd be able to drive to Canton for his HOF induction. For twelve seasons I loved watching him proudly wear the aqua and orange, destroying opposing QB's. When he was traded to the 'Skins for a second round pick, I understood. He was getting older, and to pass up that type of compensation would have been insane. At the time, I held out hopes that one day he'd return & be able to retire with us (happy ending for all)
Then the next year, he was back!!! To say I was overjoyed is an understatement. The storybook ending would happen after all.
... Then the storm clouds rolled in ...
"#99" committed the ultimate sin. He signed with the scum-sucking, dirty-rotten, filthy, slimy, stinkin, puke New York Jets! "#99" was dead to me! You broke my heart JT, you broke my heart. I took his jersey and shut it away in the closet of my back bedroom forever (Dolphins jerseys should never be destroyed - shame on anyone who calls themselves a fan who does that to a Dolphins jersey) I couldn't watch Hard Knocks because I couldn't bear to see #99 wearing that ****ing puke green. I was in pain each and every time I saw him in highlights that season, let alone the two horrible times where he suited up against us.
Then came this offseason. People brought his name up in possible "return threads." "'#99' is dead to me," was how my responses went. There was absolutely ZERO chance it could happen.
Now it has.
How do I feel about it?
That's the $64,000 question.
Ten minutes ago, I went into that back bedroom - opened the closet door - AND PUT ON MY AQUA #99 JASON TAYLOR JERSEY!!!
Welcome home Jason Taylor, I forgive you.