The Washington Commanders are planning to create a statue in honor of their late former safety, Sean Taylor, after facing criticism for a previous memorial. The earlier tribute, which was displayed inside the stadium, did not meet fans’ expectations due to several inaccuracies, such as the wrong brand of jersey and missing personal details that were significant to Taylor’s playing style.
As a result, the team decided to remove the installation and replace it with a more fitting tribute. This statue will be the first of its kind in the organization, making Taylor the first former player to be memorialized in this way. His daughter, Jackie, who was just 18 months old when Taylor was tragically killed in 2007, will help design the statue.
Jackie Taylor, now a college freshman and volleyball player, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to properly honor her father. She believes that fans will be pleased with the new statue, especially since it offers a chance to correct the mistakes made with the previous memorial.
Jackie also mentioned that her family was grateful for the initial installation despite its shortcomings and remains positive about the efforts to celebrate Sean Taylor’s legacy.
The initial memorial was criticized by fans due to its inaccuracies, such as the use of a Reebok jersey instead of the correct Nike one, and the absence of details like the tape Taylor used on his facemask. Although the team made some adjustments following the criticism, they ultimately decided to remove the installation entirely.
The Commanders acknowledged that the original tribute did not do justice to Taylor’s legacy and are now working on creating a more appropriate and lasting memorial in the form of a statue.
The Commanders have not yet set a specific date for the statue’s completion but plan to begin working with a sculptor soon.
The team has also expressed a broader commitment to honoring its legends in the future, particularly as they prepare to move to a new stadium, which they aim to open by 2030. Jackie Taylor, reflecting on her father’s enduring impact, expressed her gratitude that he will be permanently honored as part of the team’s history.
Sean Taylor remains a highly respected figure in Washington, known for his fierce playing style and ability to make big plays during his time with the team from 2004 to 2007. His legacy continues to inspire NFL safeties, many of whom have chosen to wear his iconic No. 21 in tribute. The decision to honor him with a statue marks an important step in recognizing his significant contributions to the organization and its fanbase.
