The Washington Commanders are fixing the Sean Taylor memorial fiasco created by the previous regime. The team announced through Taylor’s daughter, that they have removed the installation in the concourse of Commanders Field and will replace it with an actual statue that will sit outside the stadium.
The team retired the late Sean Taylor’s No. 21 jersey in 2022. Under previous owner Dan Snyder and team president Jason Wright, the Commanders unveiled a memorial installation that featured his jersey, pants, and cleats.
The display was criticized heavily by fans. Complaints ranged among fans, including how the display had a Nike version of Taylor’s jersey even though Taylor played while Reebok made NFL jerseys. There were no pieces of tape over his facemask, as Taylor wore while playing. While the team did correct those changes that included the proper socks and cleats, using an installation for one of the more popular players in franchise history still didn’t sit right with fans.
New majority owner Josh Harris and his team have sought changes to the fan experience. Fans grew frustrated during the Snyder era. While there is still an uproar about the team’s recent name change, Harris and his investors’ team continue to strive to win over fans, including upgrades to their current stadium.
Fixing Taylor’s memorial is also another step.
“After careful consideration, we have decided as an organization to remove the Sean Taylor installation from Commanders Field,” a team spokesperson said in a statement, per John Keim of ESPN. “We realize that the installation fell short in honoring one of our franchise’s most iconic players. Together with the Taylor family, we are working on a plan which includes unveiling a statute that will rightfully celebrate the legacy and impact that Sean had on our organization, fanbase, and community.”
The team has yet to set a date to unveil the statue.
News of it will certainly please fans. Taylor’s daughter, Jackie, will be involved in the process of the statue. She was 18 months old when her father was murdered in November 2007. She is now a freshman volleyball player at the University of North Carolina. Taylor will wear the No. 21 that her father made iconic in the NFL.
“I think fans will really enjoy what they’re going to see and getting the second opportunity. You don’t really get many second opportunities. The fact that we’re able to get a second opportunity is nice,” Taylor said in the team’s announcement.
Washington drafted Sean Taylor in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft after a stellar collegiate career at the University of Miami (FL). He was the 2003 Big East Defensive Player of the Year. He followed in the footsteps of another Hurricanes legend, Ed Reed.
Taylor came to Washington with the same hype and anticipation of greatness as Reed. Taylor didn’t disappoint in his short pro career. He played four seasons with Washington before his death.
However, he made a lasting impact on fans and players who followed his style of play. He made two Pro Bowls and was a second-team All-Pro selection. The previous installation wasn’t a proper way to honor such a legendary franchise figure.
