Child's death spurs faith

<p>SANTA CLARA</p><p>Receiver Taylor Jacobs placed the Scripture in his locker when he was going through difficult times as a high draft pick of the Washington Redskins.</p><p>Today, those words are prominently -- and poignantly -- displayed among his belongings in the 49ers' locker room.</p><p>Jacobs and his wife, Christine, were newlyweds when Taryn Elizabeth was born July 27, 2006. Her hair was dark and curly. She had big eyes and an unblinking stare. Even at 2 1/2; months old, Taryn appeared to have an ability to study the world as an adult.</p><p>"She was a strong child, a strong baby," said Jacobs, 26. "She had a bubbly personality. She could do a lot of things. I can see this little girl on the couch just looking at us."</p><p>Jacobs was at the 49ers' practice facility Oct. 12, three days before the team's game against the San Diego Chargers. Christine was at the couple's apartment. Taryn was sleeping late, as she often did.</p><p>"My wife checked on her in bed at 9 o'clock," Jacobs said. "She went back at 10, and she was still sleeping. She came back at 11, and she wasn't breathing. . . . There were no signs -- no nothing."</p><p>Taryn died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which annually kills approximately 2,500 children in the United States, according to the American SIDS Institute. No cause has been found for SIDS. It typically strikes children 2 to 4 months old.</p><p>"We don't know anything about SIDS right now," Jacobs said. "Our child looked 100 percent healthy. There were no markings on the body. There was no brain trauma. It was out of nowhere."</p><p>Jacobs was a newcomer to the 49ers. The Tallahassee, Fla., native was a newcomer to the West Coast. Although he had no established friendships when he came to the team, Jacobs said he received unbelievable support from those in the organization.</p><p>Strength and conditioning coach Johnny Parker, team chaplain Earl Smith and director of player development Guy McIntyre were among those who gave constant support. Niners coach Mike Nolan and his wife, Kathy, met with the grieving couple just hours after Taryn died.</p><p>Backup quarterback Trent Dilfer and his wife, Cassandra, also got involved. The Dilfers' 5-year-old son, Trevin, passed away in 2003 from heart disease. Dilfer said he and Jacobs got through their tremendous losses because they believe they will be with their children again in heaven.</p><p>"Taylor has done an amazing job of taking that personal tragedy and turning it around into self-betterment," Dilfer said. "He's going to maximize every opportunity he has in life."</p><p>Jacobs said Taryn taught him some valuable lessons in her 2 1/2; months of life.</p><p>"I believe it was the Lord's will for Taryn to teach us things about our marriage, teach us about relationships, teach me how to be a better father," Jacobs said. "I think she served her purpose. . . . and now she's in a better place. She's with the Lord.</p><p>"I think when you love somebody, you shouldn't hold back. Just say it. At the end of the day, don't let somebody close to you go to sleep without telling them you love them. I tell my wife I love her 10 or 15 times a day."</p><p>Jacobs wants it known his daughter does not serve as motivation for him to be a better football player. Rather, her memory gives him clarity about what is truly important in life.</p><p>"Football is a job," Jacobs said.</p><p>Jacobs was considered an underachiever the first three seasons of his NFL career after the Redskins selected him in the second round of the 2003 draft. He averaged just 10 catches a season.</p><p>The 49ers acquired him in an August trade for cornerback Mike Rumph. He was seen as an underdog to earn a roster spot this offseason after the 49ers added veterans Darrell Jackson and Ashley Lelie, and drafted rookie Jason Hill in the third round.</p><p>"There's a whole lot less pressure on me," Jacobs said. "And if I knew then what I know now, there wouldn't have been any pressure then (with the Redskins). Football is a game.</p><p>"I'm not worried about the things I can't control. It's no pressure whatsoever. I'm going to go out and bust my tail every day. And if I'm not good enough, at least I gave my best."</p><p>Coaches and teammates alike rave about how well Jacobs performed in the 49ers' offseason program. Receivers coach Jerry Sullivan described his play as "excellent." Jacobs has gotten off to a strong start at training camp and appears to have a legitimate chance to make an impact this season.</p><p>"I've seen Taylor completely embrace every moment in life, whether it's on the field or in the locker room," Dilfer said. "He is filled with joy, and he's excited about being around people.</p><p>"Here's a guy who has always had the talent, and nobody's understood why it hasn't translated to Sunday afternoons. I can't see how it wouldn't happen (this season). He's become a go-to guy and a dependable guy and a guy who's coaching up other guys while we're out there."</p><p>Jacobs declined to speak about the tragedy last season because he said he did not want his wife to relive the painful memories. But he discussed the topic in an interview this week with The Press Democrat without any prompting. He said he wanted to discuss his faith.</p><p>It was easy for Jacobs to keep the matter private last season. Jacobs, who speaks in a soft voice, does nothing to draw attention. He was a bit player last season, suiting up for just eight games. He caught four passes for 29 yards.</p><p>"For lack of a better term, it might have put some things in perspective for him," Nolan said. "He's a very talented guy. He's as talented as anyone in the wide receiver corps that we have. I'd love to see him put it all together as a player, because it means that along with his talent, he's doing the other things."</p><p>With the start of a new football season, there are plenty of reasons for Jacobs and his wife to be excited about the future. The couple are expecting a son later this month.</p><p>Jacobs said he and his wife plan to have a heart monitor for their son. An alarm will sound if there are any problems while he is sleeping. But he said he does not spend much time contemplating the circumstances of Taryn's death. Instead, he focuses on the time she was in his life.</p><p>"We had an angel for 2 1/2 months, what more can you ask for?" Jacobs said. "At least I had her for 2 1/2 months. I could've not even known her. She was a true blessing and an angel."</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com.</p>