*Editor's note: Fans wishing to help Taylor will find a PayPal account address at the end of this post.
Sixteen players in the storied history of Nebraska football have had their jersey number retired. Aaron Taylor, No. 67, is among that group.
Taylor, pictured with his wife, Rebecca, during the 2007 College Football Awards ceremony in Orlando, was a center on the 1996 team, then moved to left guard in for his senior season in 1997. The two-time All-American won the Outland Trophy in 1997.
Now his Outland and seven championship rings are up for auction at the end of the month. Taylor was a partner in a bar-restaurant in Omaha that went bankrupt in 2007. His hardware, which was on display in the establishment, was seized as part of the bankruptcy.
Sean Callahan of Huskers Illustrated talked with Taylor on Monday night. Here is what he posted on the site:
"As many of you saw on the board tonight, former Husker and Outland Trophy winner Aaron Taylor's championship rings and Outland Trophy are set to be auctioned off in Scottsbluff on Saturday Oct. 31.
"I consider Aaron a friend and I talked to him about the situation tonight. The first thing he wants people to know is he did everything in his control not to let this happen.
"Taylor, along with several other investors were involved in the Scarlet and Cream Letter Club Bar in Omaha that closed in 2007. The business went under and they were forced to file bankruptcy.
"Taylor put down what his personal possessions were during the bankruptcy, which included his seven rings and 1997 Outland Trophy. They were originally all inside the bar inside glass cases, and during the bankruptcy case they were all taken from him.
"He was given the opportunity to buy the items back, and he made what was considered to be a fair offer for them. The person who took the items accepted his offer, but three or four days later called him back and said that he changed his mind and has decided to put them in a public auction because he thinks he can get more money for them.
"Taylor is very hurt by this whole turn of events and he wants people to know he is attempting to do whatever it takes to get those items back. Right now his plan is to go to Scottsbluff and buy as much back as he can, because he doesn't want to lose those items for the obvious sentimental value they have to him and his family."
There is a movement among Nebraska fans looking to help Taylor buy back the hardware, and we'll post any updates as they become available.
"Taylor is a good guy and it has been a tough deal for him," Callahan said.
Update: Callahan says there has been a PayPal account set up to help Taylor. It is set up under Outland1997 (at) yahoo.com.
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