NFL World Reacts to Commanders’ Sean Taylor Statue Unveiling

The new memorial to the late legend fell short of expectations.

The Commanders unveiled a statue of former star safety Sean Taylor prior to Sunday’s game on the 15th anniversary of Taylor’s death to commemorate and honor the life of the late legend. 

However, the unveiling of the actual statue left something to be desired. 

Prior to Washington’s game against the Falcons at FedEx Field, the team held a ceremony to uncover the memorial to Taylor, who was shot and killed during an attempted robbery at his Florida home in November 2007. When the curtain was pulled back, the likeness of Taylor that was enclosed in glass was far more reminiscent of a mannequin than a statue. 

The Sean Taylor Memorial inside FedEx Field.

Number 21 always and forever pic.twitter.com/yCCMinnUBX

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 27, 2022

Honoring 21 💛

The unveiling of the new Sean Taylor memorial pic.twitter.com/NGTH0l910u

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 27, 2022

The figure that now stands on the main concourse at FedEx Field quite literally looks as if it might’ve been plucked from a nearby team store and enclosed in glass. The statue also appears to be wearing a series of mismatched threads, highlighted by what appears to be a pair of Adidas soccer cleats.

Admittedly, the Commanders’ initial announcement never explicitly said Taylor’s memorial would be a traditional statue. Sunday also marked the official launch of the Sean Taylor Legacy Project limited-edition merchandise line designed by the defensive back’s daughter, Jackie Taylor. All proceeds from the sale of Sean Taylor Legacy Project merchandise will benefit gun violence prevention initiatives.

Despite the good cause, the execution of the memorial was largely bashed by football fans and media members, who felt that the installation was just the latest public relations blunder by the franchise.

I get this wasn’t supposed to be a statue but this looks like a display you’d see in a Nike store. Nothing memorable about it. Looks like no thought or care was put into preserving the legacy of one of their most impactful and beloved players. https://t.co/vbTBShwHAm

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) November 27, 2022

Didn’t realize Washington had its yearly embarrassing tribute to Sean Taylor scheduled for today. https://t.co/4PyBg84qjw

— Sean Gentille (@seangentille) November 27, 2022

Like... you have to know, man, people are going to hate this as you are unveiling it. Such a piss poor franchise, honestly. It is a shame, really, they had a great fanbase and have chased so many of them away over the last two decades. https://t.co/dIeCijAt3p

— Ryan M. Spaeder (@theaceofspaeder) November 27, 2022

This is PEAK doing your assignment the day before it’s due. Just sad. https://t.co/C2AIs1qRSN

— Justin Walters (@JustinWaltersTV) November 27, 2022

Ah, this franchise. https://t.co/YddqRV6Vc5 pic.twitter.com/qNjakmI8GT

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) November 27, 2022

This feels like it could be an episode of Veep where the actual statue got lost or broken so they subbed in a wire display from Dick’s Sporting Goods hoping people wouldn’t look to closely. https://t.co/YIxsqd5gFH

— Kevin Van Valkenburg (@KVanValkenburg) November 27, 2022

Nike Jersey, Reebok Pants, Adidas shoes on a wire.
Looks like a last minute project to me https://t.co/GvOPagU0kR

— Will Blackmon (@WillBlackmon) November 27, 2022

This really? No statue? Whoever made this decision should be fired and the organization should be sold like yesterday. https://t.co/LfayEtUgBj

— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) November 27, 2022

Huh? That’s it? https://t.co/BJUH3glB8f

— Teej. (@TJLang70) November 27, 2022

Sean Taylor's "memorial" is a basic ass uniform display from the gift shop??

This organization's swing-and-miss percentage is through the roof! https://t.co/ckUwTboFYd

— Michael Eaves (@michaeleaves) November 27, 2022

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