Taylor Haugen's legacy lives on

NICEVILLE, Fla. (WALA) - A teen who died after being critically injured during a high school football team in 2008 has continued to touch many lives: his parent's, friend's, and even stranger's. Strangers like Tim Tebow, who calls the teen an inspiration.

Tebow, a Heisman Trophy-winning football quarterback for the Florida Gators, remembers the legacy Taylor Haugen left behind.

"Man, he had an impact on a lot of people's lives and that's how he's remembered," said University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow.

Taylor's mother remembers how her son touched her life.

"It's heart-wrenching and it brings back a lot of memories. You wonder where he would be now," said Kathy Haugen.

Tuesday, Taylor was remembered and his legacy was passed on.

Fifteen-year-old Taylor Haugen, or "T", spent most of his time on the football field. Tragically, it was on a football field that Haugen suffered a critical injury during a game. He was hit, causing his liver to rupture. He later died in the hospital. Haugen dreamed of playing for the University of Florida. He also dreamed of being a leader with his faith.

Flash forward to present day. One of those dreams is coming true. Shannon Donahue was named the second recipient of the Taylor Haugen Foundation scholarship. The senior from Rocky Bayou Christian School talked about what this means to her.

"It's a great honor. He's a great example of how we need leaders today," said Donahue.

Donahue was chosen based on scholarship and athletics, but most of all on her commitment to her faith. She will get a trophy to take home to remember her accomplishment. But more than that, the Haugens hope she will remember their son and his spirit.

"It's a beautiful thing to see something so much bigger than just Taylor. We can come together and benefit something bigger," said Taylor father Bryan.

He said the pain is still there.

"There's not a day that goes by that something that I see or a thought that I have doesn't reflect back on T. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's depressing and you have to work through it," he said.

Tuesday was one of the good days. He said he knows his son is probably playing a little football in heaven, but he's also smiling down knowing one of his dreams is coming true.

To learn more about Taylor or the Taylor Haugen Foundation, click here .