IU Football’s Clay Conner Scores Incredible Gift For EPD Officer Sam Taylor

IU Football Player Brings Sam Taylor IU Gifts

Being on the IU football team is pretty cool, but Boonville's own Clay Conner is pretty amazing for what he did recently for injured Evansville police officer Sam Taylor. Taylor was shot in the line of duty in September of 2025, but is making an incredible and miraculous recovery, demonstrating his toughness and resilience. That toughness and resilience are something the IU Football team embodies, and helped lead them to their current status as National Champions. A little inspiration always helps as well, and Conner decided he'd pay it forward in the inspiration department with a special gift for IU fanatic, Sam Taylor. Officer Culver with EPD reached out to Conner in November to see if there was any chance he could send some cool IU gear to Sam while he continues his rehab. Conner shared Taylor's story with the entire football team and coaching staff, and what they did next is nothing short of awesome. On Christmas Day, Officer Culver turned into Santa and made Sam Taylor's Christmas one unlike any other. He presented to Taylor an autographed football, signed by every player, two t-shirts, and custom sticky notes with inspirational messages for Sam on them.

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More To Come From Clay Conner

Number 36 on the field, Conner is a redshirt sophomore playing defensive back. According to recent reports, he's now a linebacker. According to his roster report, Conner played in 15 games this season, primarily on special teams. One notable highlight is the blocked punt he had against Kennesaw State early in the season, which led to Indiana's first touchdown of that game. With nothing but bright, sun-shiny skies on the horizon, I can't wait to see what Conner brings us next. Go Hoosiers!