The Washington Commanders have announced plans to construct a statue in honor of their late former safety, Sean Taylor. This decision comes two years after the unveiling of a memorial installation that faced criticism from fans and was subsequently removed. Taylor, whose No. 21 jersey was retired in 2022, will be the first former player to be memorialized with a statue by the organization.
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. Speaking about the upcoming tribute, Jackie expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor her father’s legacy once again. She acknowledged the fans’ disappointment with the initial memorial installation but remained positive about the upcoming statue, stating, “I think the fans will really enjoy what they’re going to see… There’s a lot of excitement.”
The decision to remove the previous memorial installation was made after fans raised concerns about inaccuracies in the display, such as the incorrect jersey brand and missing details like tape on Taylor’s facemask. In response to these criticisms, the Commanders made adjustments to the installation but ultimately decided to replace it with a more fitting tribute to the iconic player.
In a statement addressing the removal of the memorial installation, a team spokesperson emphasized the organization’s commitment to honoring their legends in a “first-class manner.” The Commanders are working closely with the Taylor family to ensure that the upcoming statue will properly celebrate Sean Taylor’s lasting impact on the franchise, fanbase, and community.
While no official unveiling date has been set for the statue, the team is already in discussions with a sculptor to bring the vision to life. Additionally, the Commanders have expressed their intention to continue honoring their legends in future years, potentially including ceremonies at a new stadium if and when they relocate.
Darrell Green, a Hall of Famer and former Washington player, is set to have his No. 28 jersey retired during a halftime ceremony at a Week 7 game against the Carolina Panthers. Green’s jersey will join those of other Washington legends like Sammy Baugh, Bobby Mitchell, and Sonny Jurgensen in the rafters of the stadium.
The announcement of the statue comes amidst a period of transition for the Commanders, as the team was recently acquired by a group led by Josh Harris in July 2023. The new ownership has signaled a fresh start for the franchise, including a renewed focus on honoring the team’s history and iconic figures like Sean Taylor.
Taylor, who played for Washington from 2004 to 2007, was known for his fearless playing style and ability to make game-changing plays on the field. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 230 pounds, Taylor was a formidable presence in the secondary, earning a reputation as a hard-hitting safety with a knack for creating turnovers.
Since his untimely passing in 2007, numerous NFL safeties have paid tribute to Taylor by wearing his No. 21 jersey, citing his influence on their own playing styles. Former Washington safety Landon Collins even donned Taylor’s number while playing for the New York Giants, showcasing the lasting impact of Taylor’s legacy on the league.
As the Commanders look ahead to the future, the construction of the Sean Taylor statue represents a significant step in preserving the memory of one of the franchise’s most beloved players. With input from Taylor’s family and a commitment to honoring his legacy with dignity and respect, the organization aims to create a lasting tribute that will stand as a testament to Sean Taylor’s enduring impact on the Washington Commanders and the NFL as a whole.
