Devin Taylor Makes It To The NFL

Story by CINDY REID
Photography by SUSAN DELOACH

Hundreds of people turned out to meet and greet former USC Gamecock star and now NFL Detroit Lion rookie, Devin Taylor, recently on a sunny June afternoon. Picked as a defensive end by the Detroit Lions in Round Four of the NFL draft, Taylor will soon be leaving the lowcountry and making his home in Detroit. About the new phase of his football career he said “The biggest change is transitioning from college to pro coaching style, but once you get used to it, it is very simple.” He said he hadn’t had much chance to explore the Motor City but he had toured Ford Field, where the Lions play when they are at home, and said it was “very impressive.”
Taylor and his family were there to show their appreciation to the community for all the support Beaufort has shown to Taylor over the course of his college football career. His mother Sylvia Cuyler said, “We are really grateful to have the opportunity to thank all the people who supported Devin while he was at USC.” His sister Demeka Taylor said, “Devin has always wanted to give back to the community and we wanted to have a fun day, especially for the kids.”
Everyone had the opportunity to tell Taylor how much they have enjoyed following his career and he shyly thanked everyone for all their support. Unassuming and gracious, Taylor posed for photos, signed autographs and spoke to all his friends and fans. Little ones in Gamecock regalia barely reached the six foot seven inch athletes’ knees but they gazed up in awe at a true Beaufort superstar.
During a break from posing for photos Devin said he enjoyed being in Beaufort and having the chance to give back in any way he could. Onlookers were impressed by Taylor’s effort to show his appreciation. Roland Gardener said, “It’s great for Beaufort that he came back and said ‘thank you.’ That says a lot about his character.”
Nikki Williams said, “We are all so proud of Beaufort’s finest, Candice and Devin, and I think Devin is a very remarkable young man who represents hard work and great parenting.”  Imani Miller said, “I think it’s good for the community, and seeing everyone come together is wonderful.”
When asked if she was looking forward to going to Michigan to see her son play, Sylvia Cuyler laughed and said, “I am gearing myself up for that! But we are really up for the season and taking it as it comes.”
All afternoon Taylor was busy signing autographs, saying hello to old friends, and obliging all requests for photos. Gracious and unhurried, he had time for everyone, even posing with a tiny baby girl in his arms, to the delight of her parents. Poised on the brink of his professional sports career, but grounded in the principles of hard work and humility, Devin Taylor made it his business to truly show his appreciation to the people of his hometown.  That’s what “Devin Taylor Appreciation Day” was all about.