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John Keim, editor at ESPN
The Washington Commanders will erect a statue in memory of their late former safety Sean Taylor, two years after unveiling a memorial that was criticized by their fans and already permanently removed.
Taylor, whose No. 21 retired in 2022, is the organization’s first former player to have a statue dedicated to him. Taylor’s daughter Jackie will help design the statue. She was 18 months old when he was murdered in November 2007.
“I’m just grateful for the whole process,” said Taylor, a freshman volleyball player at North Carolina who wears her father’s former number. “I think the fans are really going to enjoy what they’re going to see, and getting that second chance is something you don’t really get very often. The fact that we’re getting a second chance is nice… There’s a lot of excitement.”
Taylor made it clear that her family greatly appreciated the previous memorial installation that had been placed inside the stadium.
“We will take every opportunity to honor my father,” she said in a video conference.
However, many fans disagreed, pointing out that the initial installation didn’t include the correct jersey (Reebok instead of Nike) and that they didn’t put tape all over his face mask – like Taylor did while playing. The organization soon changed the installation to reflect these changes and also use the correct style of socks and cleats.
The Commanders notified the Taylor family that the installation had been removed. Washington hosts New England in its final preseason game on Sunday night.
“After careful consideration, we as an organization have decided to remove the Sean Taylor statue from Commanders Field,” a team spokesperson said in a statement. “We recognize that the statue is not enough to honor one of our franchise’s most iconic players. Together with the Taylor family, we are working on a plan that includes unveiling a statue that appropriately honors the legacy and impact Sean had on our organization, our fan base and our community. The Washington Commanders are committed to honoring our legends in a world-class manner.”
There is no set date yet for the statue’s unveiling. The team will meet with the sculptor soon, according to a team source. The source also said they want to “honor our legends” in the coming years, even as they move to a new stadium. The team has not yet settled on a new location, but has eyed 2030 as the date for the next stadium to open.
Taylor also said in a statement that she was “filled with gratitude that my father will forever be a part of the Burgundy and golf family.”
Washington will retire Hall of Famer Darrell Green’s No. 28 jersey at halftime of a Week 7 game against Carolina. The organization has also retired the jersey numbers of Sammy Baugh (33), Bobby Mitchell (49) and Sonny Jurgensen (9).
A group led by Josh Harris purchased the team in July 2023 from Dan Snyder; Snyder was very close to the Taylor family.
Taylor played for Washington from 2004 to 2007 and became one of the organization’s most popular players for a new generation.
Since his death, numerous NFL safeties have worn his number 21 – including former Washington safety Landon Collins when he played for the New York Giants – often citing his style of play as the reason why.
At 6’2″ and 230 pounds, Taylor was an intimidating presence in the middle of the field. He was considered a hard-hitting safety who could make big plays. He intercepted five passes in nine games during the 2007 season.
