Commanders announce plans to honor Sean Taylor properly

After nearly two decades since Sean Taylor's untimely death, the Washington Commanders have decided to honor him properly.

In a statement released Saturday, the franchise announced plans to celebrate Taylor's legacy. Meanwhile, after several failed attempts from the previous regime, the Commanders have promised to finally deliver on building a statue of the late former star.

"Together with the Taylor family, we are working on a plan, which includes unveiling a statue that will rightfully celebrate the legacy and impact that Sean had on our organization, fan base and community," the statement read via Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post . "The Washington Commanders are committed to honoring our legends in a first-class manner."

Taylor's daughter, Jackie Taylor, helped announce the news via social media. She lauded the team's ownership group, headed by Josh Harris and Magic Johnson, for the opportunity to keep her father's "legacy alive."

"I'm filled with gratitude to know that my dad will forever be a part of the burgundy and gold family," Jackie Taylor said.

The Commanders have made two half-hearted attempts to honor Sean Taylor, the last of which occurred in November 2022 and drew harsh criticism . After promising to reveal a statue, the franchise instead produced nothing but a wire mannequin with Sean Taylor's uniform and helmet lazily placed upon it.

At the time, Sean Taylor's half-brother, Jamal Johnson, said he saw no issue with what the team had done , calling it an "honor." However, it was clear to anyone with eyes that the franchise needed to do more to honor their former player.

The Commanders have since removed the original installation, admitting it "fell short" in honoring one of the franchise's most iconic players.

During Dan Snyder's watch, the Commanders faced years of ineptitude, on and off the field. The current ownership hasn't proven it can win football games, but it's nice to see they can do something right.

Nov. 27 will mark 17 years since Sean Taylor was killed. A first-round pick in 2004 out of Miami, he made the Pro Bowl twice over three-and-a-half seasons in Washington and was on pace to become one of the better defensive backs at least of his era.