Sean Taylor Tribute Photo

Sean Taylor Tribute

This tribute page honors the life, legacy, and unforgettable impact of Sean Taylor—a generational football talent, a fierce competitor, and a young man taken far too soon. On November 27, 2007, Sean Taylor was tragically shot in his home during a violent break-in. He passed away at just 24 years old. His sudden and heartbreaking death sent shockwaves through the football world and beyond.

Though his time with us was short, Sean Taylor’s legacy lives on—in every hard hit, every game-changing play, and every fan who continues to wear his number with pride. From his high school stardom to his dominant college career at the University of Miami, to his rise as one of the NFL’s most feared safeties with the Washington Redskins, Taylor’s presence on and off the field was unmistakable.

He may be gone, but Sean Taylor will never be forgotten. This page preserves Sean Taylor’s legacy by celebrating his achievements and telling the story of a player—and a person—who made a lasting impact on the game and inspired everyone who watched him play.

Download the Sean Taylor Memorium Wallpaper

Taylor Inducted Into Redskins Ring of Fame

On November 30, 2008, the Redskins honored Sean Taylor with induction into the Ring of Fame at FedExField. The emotional ceremony took place prior to the game against the New York Giants, just days after the anniversary of his tragic passing.

Taylor became the 43rd member of the Ring of Fame, recognized for his extraordinary talent and deep impact on the franchise.

Former teammates and Taylor’s family shared heartfelt tributes, and commemorative plaques were presented to his loved ones as part of the memorial.

“21” was everywhere that day — a powerful reminder of a legacy that will never fade.

Sean Taylor Number 21

Sean Taylor Tribute: Photos

Over the years, we were fortunate enough to grab some great photos of Sean at training camp – photos that show the real essence and spirit that he had – the man behind the mask.

Place Photos here

Stories And Tributes From The Fans

Sean’s death shook the Washington community to the core. He earned the admiration and love of countless fans and peers alike. His death struck fans and teammates with the deep sorrow usually reserved for the loss of a family member. Here are some of the comments from the THN community at the time:

– Skinsfan55

“If there’s football in Heaven then I’ll think of Sean Taylor the next time I hear thunder.”

– NC43Hog

“He was always one of the last guys off the field at practice… always seemed to be having a good time, never in too much of a hurry to stop and sign autographs.

And the HAIR. God love him.”

– funbunch65

“I loved watching Sean Taylor square off against T.O. The loudest WR in football seemed to always be silenced after Taylor would smack him in the mouth a couple of times.

It was real treat to watch the man play, a true physical specimen and I think it is safe to say that there will never be another safety in the game like Sean Taylor.”

– Skinz74

“Sean was the player that Lavar, Heath, etc. never became…a fan adored superstar who made grueling losses bearable by his level of play. I’ll never forget that Eagles game in ’05… Our playoff chances were dangling in the wind… all of a sudden he picks off the pass and dives/rolls into the endzone. After we won that game, due to a dare, I ran around my neighborhood in nothing but boxers and a redskins flag singing Hail To The Redskins.

He loved the game, and you could see it in his face. The determination must have been hidden behind the gleem, because I only remember the smiles. It was infectious…as you could see how his level of play raised the bar for everyone around him. “

– JansenFan

Most of the time, when you hear Sean Taylor’s name, you hear about the monster hits. I was lucky enough to witness a very different side of ST yesterday. My son, Jackson, is a near-six year old that has gained a bit of a reputation as a kid with an uncanny knowledge of Redskins personnel. Just prior to turning two, we bought him a ‘Skins’ yearbook and he would ask who the players were. Soon, he could name EVERY player listed inside that guide.

So… I was taking Jackson around getting autographs from some of his favorite players and I spied Sean Taylor. Jackson walks up with his book open, sees the 21 jersey and has a freudian slip. He says, “Excuse me Mr. Smoot. Will you please sign my yearbook?”

Before I can correct him, Taylor says, “I’d be happy to sign your book. What’s your name?”

“Jackson.”

Taylor says, “Well Jackson., my name is Sean and I’m very pleased to meet you. ”

He signs the book, and Jackson squeals, “Thank you!” , to which Taylor replies, “Thank you for coming out to practice today.”

I was thoroughly impressed with the way Taylor handled the situation. Many players don’t interact with the people they are signing for. They step, sign, step, sign. Sean Taylor took the time to make the moment special.

I know one, very happy 5 year old who agrees.”

Sean Taylor: Biography

sean taylor quote

Sean Taylor redefined the prototype for an NFL free safety, combining the quickness of a cover cornerback with the size and power of a strong-side linebacker. He was a rare combination of size, speed, strength and agility. He was a hard hitter who also had solid skills in coverage and in run support.

The Redskins selected Taylor in the first round with the fifth overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft.

Sean Taylor – NFL Career Highlights

2006 Season (Pro Bowl Selection)

  • Taylor was named to his first Pro Bowl after leading the Washington Redskins with 129 tackles (89 solo) in 16 starts.
  • He also recorded one interception, three forced fumbles, and 17 special teams tackles.
  • Week 2 at Dallas: Led the team with nine tackles and forced a fumble.
  • Week 9 vs. Dallas: Registered nine tackles and returned a blocked field goal 30 yards to set up a game-winning score.
  • Week 11 at Tampa Bay: Posted 10 tackles (seven solo), one forced fumble, and two special teams tackles.
  • Week 12 vs. Carolina: Finished with six tackles, one interception, and a crucial fourth-down stop on Drew Carter. Also recorded a special teams tackle and ended the Panthers’ final drive with a pick.
  • Week 14 vs. Philadelphia: Notched five tackles and three special teams tackles.

2005 Season

  • Taylor started 15 games and both playoff contests, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s most feared safeties.
  • He tallied 80 tackles (third on the team), two interceptions, three forced fumbles, one sack, and 13 special teams tackles.
  • Week 7 vs. San Francisco: Recorded his first interception of the season, returning it 32 yards.
  • Week 13 vs. St. Louis: Logged six tackles (five solo) and one sack of Ryan Fitzpatrick. Added three special teams tackles.
  • Week 14 at Arizona: Posted six tackles, one interception (Kurt Warner), one forced fumble, and two special teams tackles. Made a crucial fourth-down stop on J.J. Arrington to help secure the win.
  • Week 17 at Philadelphia: Tied for the team lead with 11 tackles (seven solo). Scored his first career touchdown on a 39-yard fumble return.
  • Wild Card Game vs. Tampa Bay (Jan. 7, 2006): Contributed seven tackles (three solo) and returned a fumble 51 yards for a touchdown. The play helped give Washington a 14–0 lead. Taylor was later ejected following an on-field altercation.

2004 Season (Rookie Year)

  • In his first NFL season, Taylor started 13 games and made an immediate impact with 89 tackles (62 solo), four interceptions, one sack, and two forced fumbles.
  • Week 3 vs. Dallas: Earned his first career start.
  • Week 7 at Chicago: Registered six tackles, one sack, and his first career interception to seal the win.
  • Week 10 vs. Cincinnati: Recorded a season-high 10 tackles and one interception.
  • Week 11 at Philadelphia: Added eight tackles and another interception.

Sean Taylor – College Career at Miami

2003 Season Highlights

  • Taylor led the Miami Hurricanes in 2003 with 13 pass breakups, seven tackles for loss, one sack, and two quarterback hurries.
  • On special teams, he blocked a punt and added four punt returns for 52 yards (13.0 avg.), along with three kickoff returns for 86 yards (28.7 avg.), including a 68-yard return against Florida.
  • He returned interceptions for an average of 18.4 yards, including touchdowns of 67 yards (Boston College), 50 yards (Florida State), and 44 yards (Rutgers)—a single-season Miami record for pick-sixes.
  • In a dominant 28-14 win over Pittsburgh, Taylor intercepted two passes and helped hold All-American Larry Fitzgerald to just 26 yards on three catches.

2003 Awards and Honors

  • Taylor was a consensus first-team All-American and named Big East Defensive Player of the Year.
  • He was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented to the nation’s top defensive back.
  • Taylor led the Big East and ranked No. 1 nationally in interceptions per game (0.83), with 10 total—tying a single-season record at Miami.
  • He recorded 77 tackles (57 solo), finishing third on the team.
  • Earned Big East Defensive Player of the Week honors vs. Florida State (Oct. 11).

2002 Season Highlights

  • In his first year as a starter, Taylor was named first-team All-Big East by the league’s coaches.
  • He finished third on the team in tackles with 85 (53 solo), broke up 15 passes, and intercepted four passes.
  • Taylor also forced a fumble, blocked a kick, and returned a punt for a touchdown.
  • He led all Miami defensive backs in tackles, interceptions, and pass breakups.
  • In the Fiesta Bowl vs. Ohio State, he tallied a career-high 11 tackles and two interceptions.
  • Named Big East Special Teams Player of the Week for his play vs. Pittsburgh.

2001 Season Highlights

  • As a true freshman in 2001, Taylor was one of only four first-years to play on Miami’s national championship team.
  • He appeared in 10 games, primarily in nickel and dime packages, and contributed significantly on special teams.
  • Taylor recorded 26 total tackles, including 20 solo stops.

High School

  • Sean Taylor starred at Gulliver Prep in Miami, where he was ranked the No. 7 prospect in Dade County by the Miami Herald.
  • He earned national recognition as the No. 18 skill athlete by SuperPrep, which also named him a SuperPrep All-American.
  • Taylor was listed as the No. 23 overall prospect in Florida by SuperPrep and was selected to the Orlando Sentinel’s Super Southern Team.
  • The Florida Times-Union ranked him the No. 1 athlete on its Super 75 list.
  • In the 2000 Florida Class 2A State Championship game, Taylor scored three touchdowns—two receiving, one rushing—helping Gulliver secure the title against Marianna.
  • That season, he rushed for 1,300 yards and set a state record with 44 touchdowns, while playing running back, linebacker, and defensive back.
  • During the playoff run, he rushed for over 200 yards in two separate games.
  • Taylor also recorded more than 100 tackles in the 2000 season, showcasing his dominance on both sides of the ball.

Sean Taylor is the son of Pedro Taylor and Donna Junor.

More Information

The Legacy Of No. 21 – Robert Klemko Sports Illustrated 2018

Sean Taylor Wikipedia Page

WFT Sean Taylor Tribute Page

Sean Taylor Trust Fund

Washington established a trust fund to guarantee the support and education of Sean Taylor’s daughter Jackie. All donations were to be made to:

The Sean Taylor Memorial Trust Fund
c/o The Washington Redskins
21300 Redskins Park Drive
Ashburn, VA 20147

It’s unclear if that directive still exists. All original links are broken.