During Tuesday night’s game against the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat’s veteran shooting guard Dwyane Wade stepped out onto the court wearing a pair of Li-Ning “The Way of Wade” 7’s with the words “RIP Sean Taylor” written on the toe cap.

Heat’s Wade Honors Late NFL Safety

It has been exactly 11 years since NFL star safety Sean Taylor died after being shot protecting his family from burglars in his home.

Wade was still playing for the Heat at the time, and surely felt the impact Taylor’s loss had on the Miami community.

It’s a kind gesture for the superstar to recognize Taylor on such an emotional day for his friends and family.

After growing up in the city and playing both high school and college football in Miami, Sean Taylor became a Florida legend after helping the Hurricanes defeat Nebraska 37-14 in the 2001 National Championship.

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Many sports experts and historians consider the 2001 Hurricanes as the greatest team in college football history. Miami beat opponents by an average of 32.9 points per game, the largest margin in the school’s history, and set the NCAA record for largest margin of victory over consecutive ranked teams (124–7).

Not only did Taylor’s death in 2007 rock his legion of fans in Miami, but it had a huge impact on the sports world at large.

Small acts like these help to keep Taylor’s memory and legacy alive. While it will never get easier for those closest to him, it’s always cool to see other athletes taking the time to honor a special player and a special man.