The Washington Commanders have announced plans to build a statue to honor their late former safety, Sean Taylor, two years after unveiling a memorial installation that was met with criticism and subsequently removed. Taylor, whose No. 21 jersey was retired in 2022, will be the first former player from the organization to be memorialized with a statue.
Taylor’s daughter, Jackie, who was just 18 months old when her father was tragically murdered in November 2007, will be involved in helping design the statue. Jackie, currently a freshman volleyball player at North Carolina, wears her father’s former number and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the process.
The initial memorial installation honoring Sean Taylor was criticized by fans for not accurately representing the player. Fans noted discrepancies such as the wrong jersey brand (Reebok instead of Nike) and missing details such as the pieces of tape on his facemask that Taylor wore during games. In response to the backlash, the Commanders made adjustments to the installation but ultimately decided to remove it.
Following the removal of the original memorial installation, the Commanders made the decision to commission a statue in honor of Sean Taylor. The team aims to properly celebrate Taylor’s legacy and impact on the organization, fanbase, and community with the new statue. While no specific date has been set for the unveiling, the Commanders are in the process of working with a sculptor to bring the vision to life.
Sean Taylor, who played for Washington from 2004 to 2007, was known for his intimidating presence on the field as a hard-hitting safety capable of making big plays. He left a lasting impact on the team and the NFL, with many safeties across the league citing his style of play as an inspiration. Taylor’s No. 21 jersey has been worn by several players since his passing, further solidifying his influence on the game.
The Washington Commanders have committed to honoring their legends in a first-class manner, not only with the statue for Sean Taylor but also with plans to retire the jersey numbers of other iconic players in the future. The organization’s dedication to recognizing the contributions of its past players demonstrates a commitment to honoring history and tradition. Additionally, the team’s impending move to a new stadium in 2030 presents an opportunity to continue honoring legends in a new setting.
The Washington Commanders’ decision to build a statue in honor of Sean Taylor represents a continuation of the team’s legacy and a commitment to properly recognizing the impact of their former players. With Jackie Taylor’s involvement in the design process and the team’s dedication to honoring its history, the new statue is poised to serve as a fitting tribute to the late safety and his lasting influence on the organization and the NFL.
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