Former TCU football walk-on’s spirit lives on through 9474 Foundation
Josh Doctson remembers his smile. Deante’ Gray fondly recalled the positive energy he brought to the sidelines during games. Ty Slanina admired his tireless work ethic despite his “walk-on” label.
Phil Taylor didn’t become a beloved walk-on receiver at TCU by accident.
“Phil was always smiling, man,” said Doctson, who went on to become a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. “He was a great friend and a great teammate.”
Added Slanina: “Phil knew he wasn’t as athletically gifted as some guys on the team, but he never used that as an excuse. He gave 100% every day.”
That approach carried on after his football days and into his battle with colon cancer that ultimately took his life in September 2018. Taylor’s positive impact lives on, though, through the 9474 Foundation.
Why 9474? That’s how many days Taylor was alive.
The foundation was started by Taylor’s family in January 2019 and is making steady progress. It just ran a fundraising campaign last month and more than quadrupled its initial goal.
Knowing the financial concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic, the foundation set a modest goal of $500 but received more than $2,200 in donations.
“The idea that so many people would reach out during such a difficult time with small gifts is really heartwarming,” said Bret Taylor, Phil’s father. “What we’ve tried to do with the foundation is make sure it’s not really about Phil’s memory, but more so continuing to bring those gifts that Phil brought to others — joy, faith and education. Those were really crucial to who he was.”
Mike Land, the foundation’s president and Phil’s uncle, said the organization has partnered with UT Southwestern’s young adult cancer support group to identify people who could use their help.
Most of the time a gift card for anything from food to school supplies is provided.
“Every dollar we take is put to good use,” Land said. “We find a young guy or gal who is battling cancer or recovering from it who needs our help.”
For his former teammates and family, the foundation is a welcomed avenue to keep Taylor’s spirit alive.
“Phil was always glowing with positivity,” Gray said. “He was such a fun loving person to be around — always encouraging, always motivating.”
This is a kid who fell in love with TCU by attending the 2010 Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin and was then a player on the team four years later when it won the 2014 Peach Bowl.
Taylor’s “moment” came just a few weeks before the Peach Bowl when he caught his only pass for a 5-yard gain against Iowa State on Senior Day.
“TCU was a special place for Phil,” said Bret, his father. “He fell in love with the people. He fell in love with the program. The entire institution shaped who he was. He learned a lot about hard work and teamwork, which he was able to take into his toughest moments.”
