Washington football team builds physical memorial of former football player Sean Taylor at FedExField

The Washington football team is continuing its recent effort to honor Sean Taylor. One month later give up Taylor’s number 21 shirt, Washington announced plans to build a physical memorial to Pro Bowl safety at the FedExField.

Washington will kick off the Sean Taylor Memorial Project on April 1, Taylor’s birthday, and is encouraging fan donations throughout the process. The team intends to unveil the memorial in the 2022 season.

“Like the heart he showed on the court every day, Sean Taylor has left a large and lasting mark on our franchise,” Washington’s statement read.

Earlier this season, Washington was criticized for announcing Taylor’s shirt retirement just three days in advance and amid investigation of the organization’s workplace culture. The ceremony took place during halftime of the previous soccer team’s October 17 loss Chief of Kansas City.

Washington Soccer Team President Jason Wright later apologized for the announcement time in one open letter for fans on the team’s website.

“We think saving the news for a game week is the best way to focus the message on Sean and his legacy,” writes Wright. “We don’t realize that so many of you want to take a trip to FedExField to be there at this point – a real lack of understanding of what you, the lifeblood of this franchise. , need to mourn our collective loss and celebrate Sean’s legacy.

“As someone who really wants us to start honoring better and more different players – in line with what they paid with blood, sweat and tears – I am furious and sad that we have spoil your chance to honor Sean. This weekend. I feel sick to my stomach knowing how much we’ve let so many people down.”

Taylor has grown into one of the NFLSafety dominated his youth career but was shot and killed during an invasion of his home in the middle of his fourth NFL season. He was only 24 years old then.

Washington inducted Taylor, a former No. 5 pro and two-time professional athlete, into the Ring of Fame in 2008.