The Washington Commanders have announced plans to build a statue in honor of their late former safety, Sean Taylor. This decision comes two years after unveiling a memorial installation that received criticism from fans and has since been permanently removed. Taylor, whose No. 21 was retired in 2022, will be the organization’s first former player to be immortalized with a statue. Taylor’s daughter, Jackie, will play a role in designing the statue as a way to honor her father’s memory.
The initial memorial installation, which was displayed inside the stadium, faced backlash from fans for various reasons. Many fans noted that the installation failed to include the proper jersey brand (Reebok instead of Nike) and did not incorporate the pieces of tape all over Taylor’s facemask, which he famously wore during games. In response to the fans’ feedback, the organization made adjustments to include these details, along with using the correct style of socks and cleats. However, despite these changes, the Commanders ultimately decided to remove the initial installation after careful consideration.
A Second Chance to Honor a Legend
The Commanders, in collaboration with the Taylor family, have expressed their commitment to honoring Taylor’s legacy in a more fitting and respectful manner. The organization plans to unveil a statue that will celebrate the impact and influence that Taylor had on the team, its fanbase, and the community. The decision to remove the initial installation reflects the organization’s dedication to honoring its legends in a first-class manner. While there is no set date for the unveiling of the statue, the team is currently in discussions with a sculptor to bring this vision to life.
Sean Taylor, who played for Washington from 2004 to 2007, left a lasting impact on the organization and its fans. Known for his intimidating presence and hard-hitting style of play, Taylor became one of the team’s most popular players for a new generation of fans. His legacy transcended his time on the field, influencing numerous NFL safeties who followed in his footsteps by wearing his iconic No. 21 jersey. Taylor’s daughter, Jackie, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to honor her father’s memory and ensure that he remains a part of the Commanders’ family for years to come.
In addition to honoring Sean Taylor with a statue, the Washington Commanders have plans to retire Hall of Famer Darrell Green’s No. 28 at halftime of a Week 7 game against Carolina. The organization has also retired the jersey numbers of other esteemed players, such as Sammy Baugh, Bobby Mitchell, and Sonny Jurgensen. As the team looks ahead to the future, under new ownership led by Josh Harris, they remain dedicated to preserving the legacies of their iconic players and ensuring that their contributions are remembered and celebrated.
Overall, the decision to build a statue in honor of Sean Taylor represents a meaningful step in paying tribute to a beloved player and a true legend of the game. By involving Taylor’s family in the design process and addressing fans’ concerns, the Washington Commanders are demonstrating their commitment to honoring their past while looking towards a bright future for the organization and its loyal supporters.
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