By F. Malik Conoly

One would think being the bull's eye for three hundred pound mass weapons of football destruction as a job duty would be scary enough for running back Fred Taylor...

During this off season, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, along with close friends Samari Rolle and Lito Sheppard, were involved in a near-death experience when the door to their single engine propeller plane flew off at 6,000 feet. Put that together with signing a three year extension, the Taylors have had a great, wild and crazy summer. One person whom Fred could count on through thick and thin is his co-pilot, Mrs. Andrea Taylor. Even though they can't remember when they first fell in love, it is evident they were meant for each other. Since they were married 5 years ago, they haven't spent more than 2 to 3 weeks apart. Of course Fred had to report to training camp!

Fred admitted that there is no compromising when it comes to him buying a bottle of Hennessey VSOP and Andrea buying food. Andrea would buy food if she only had $100 dollars to spend only because the purse she would want would cost more than $100 dollars. (Andrea LOVES purses!)

Their strong bond is one of the key elements that has allowed Fred to be such a successful running back for the past 9 years. Fred has had 9 excellent years at his position considering the fact that the life span for a running back is 3 to 4 years.

This power couple works together to rear their 2 sons in the public eye while maintaining a balance to love each other unconditionally. When asked about the most romantic thing one has done for the other, Fred says a dinner party for his birthday, while Andrea blushes when recanting the surprise ceremony Fred arranged to renew their vows on Andrea's thirtieth birthday. When asked to describe his relationship in one word, Fred simply says BLESSED. While Fred prefers to hang out in his office and enjoy his pool table which he says, "I paid a grip for that," his wife enjoys the visual of their foyer and the fine art for visitors to admire. Their common ground is the master suite where they can unwind, inquire about each other's day, exchange banter, and just escape from the madness. The mood eventually becomes serious as they both prepare to pray as a family.

Fred Taylor is 487 yards shy of joining an elite group of football legends and reaching a benchmark historically linked with the Hall of Fame. Along with the greatest gift his wife has given him (the birth of their 2 sons), Fred will continue to rely on his strong bond with Andrea and the grounded foundation they have established together. Andrea continues to rely on Fred's unconditional love, which she states is the greatest gift he has given to her.

This God-fearing couple has seen joy as well as adversity, but through it all, Fred and Andrea have learned that the key factors in maintaining a strong union are respect, endurance, perseverance, loyalty and of course LOVE.

Love is defined as a term of endearment; one's passionate affection for another person. Love is a constellation of emotions and experiences related to a sense of strong affection or profound oneness. Oneness is Fred and Andrea Taylor.

This couple is truly the epitome of a strong and loving institution.