The commanders are build a statue in honor of Sean Taylor, making the late safety the first former player to be honored with a statue by the team, reports ESPN’s John Keim.
The organization removed a memorial installation of Taylor at the stadium after it was criticized for a lack of authenticity. The original installation wore the wrong jersey – Reebok instead of Nike – and did not include adhesive strips on his face shield, like the one Taylor wore during the game.
The franchise also changed the installation in conjunction with these changes, adding the correct sock and cleat style from Taylor’s 2004-2007 era.
Taylor, whose No. 21 was retired in 2022, was murdered in November 2007.
The Commanders informed the Taylor family that they had removed the installation inside the stadium in favor of a statue outside the stadium.
“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 legendary players. Together with the Taylor family, we are working on a plan that includes the unveiling of 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.”
Hall of Famer Darrell Green’s number 28 will be retired at halftime of Week 7’s game against Carolina, joining the ranks of Taylor, Sammy Baugh (33), Bobby Mitchell (49) and Sonny Jurgensen (9).
