Josh Harris, the new owner of the Washington Commanders, has made several changes since taking over, but his latest decision might be the most popular among Washington fans. Harris and his team decided to remove a controversial statue that was meant to honor Sean Taylor, the beloved two-time Pro Bowler whose tragic death in 2007 still deeply affects the D.C. community, even 17 years later.
Why are the Commanders taking down Sean Taylor’s statue?
The original statue, which was unveiled in November 2022, faced heavy criticism from fans and critics alike. It featured a wire mannequin dressed in a Washington helmet and jersey, trying to replicate Taylor’s look during his playing days. However, many people thought it looked cheaply made, with a Nike jersey Taylor never actually wore and a helmet that didn’t even include the face tape he famously sported on the field.
In response to the backlash, the Commanders announced that they were removing the statue. According to the team, “We recognize that the installation didn’t do justice in honoring one of our franchise’s most legendary players.” They are now working with Taylor’s family to create a proper statue that will truly celebrate his legacy and the impact he had on the team, its fans, and the broader community. The Commanders emphasized their commitment to honoring their legends in a way that reflects their importance.
When the original statue was unveiled, Taylor’s family, including his daughter Jackie, were present and supported its design, but the criticism never died down. Jackie Taylor expressed her gratitude to Josh Harris and the Commanders for their continued efforts to honor her father’s memory. She is excited about the new plans and looks forward to learning more about her dad through this process. Jackie also shared her appreciation for the outpouring of love from the fans, stating that she is grateful her dad will always be a part of the team’s history.
Harris clearly listened to the widespread criticism, and now, less than two years after the original statue was unveiled, it is being removed. It will be replaced with something that truly reflects Sean Taylor’s greatness both on and off the field.
As for Sean Taylor, he was one of football’s brightest stars, achieving back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in just his first four years in the NFL. Tragically, on November 27, 2007, Taylor was shot and killed during a home invasion in Florida. The bullet severed his femoral artery, causing severe blood loss, and he ultimately passed away. The shooter was sentenced to over 57 years in prison in 2014.
