Casket of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor is wheeled into Pharmed Arena at Florida International University prior to funeral ceremony in Miami, 03 Dec 2007

Thousands filled a university arena in Miami, Florida, Monday for the funeral for National Football League defensive star Sean Taylor of the Washington Redskins.

The funeral came one week after the 24-year-old was shot in his Miami area home, and days after four men were charged with killing him during an attempted robbery.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said it had been a "sad week" for the league family. He told the mourners that "it's times like this that all of us struggle to find meaning in life."

Taylor's casket was surrounded by bouquets, and a video display showed Taylor from his days playing football with the Redskins, the University of Miami Hurricanes and in high school.

Numerous heartfelt eulogies were given during the nearly three-hour service. Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson was in attendance and used the occasion to call for an end to violence.

Taylor's younger sister choked back tears as she remembered her sibling. She said she last talked to Taylor Thanksgiving night, November 22, and just wants to see his smile one more time.

Police say the suspects in the killing wanted to rob Taylor's home and did not expect him to be inside. Taylor's girlfriend and their 18-month-old daughter were home as well.

Taylor was shot in the upper leg and lost a tremendous amount of blood. He died November 27, the day after the shooting.