A view of a memorial honoring the 15th year of former Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders criticized for Sean Taylor memorial

Originally posted on DC Sports King
By King W. Motley III | Last updated 11/28/22

Once again, the Washington Commanders organization appeared to take a loss in the eyes of many fans and observers despite the current team winning on the field Sunday.

The team honored Sean Taylor on the 15th anniversary of his death. Fans packed the concourse area before the Commanders’ 19-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday to witness the unveiling of Taylor’s memorial. Taylor’s former teammates and close friends, Clinton Portis, Santana Moss, and Ryan Clark, were also in attendance.

The memorial consisted of what many described as a mannequin dressed in a Nike “Redskins” jersey — which Taylor never wore during his career, Reebok burgundy pants, Adidas soccer cleats, and unstrapped gloves with wiring as arms and legs.

The unveiling of the Sean Taylor tribute at FedEx Field. It’s permanent but mobile, so the team can take it to a new stadium … pic.twitter.com/UTjN42tT0p
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) November 27, 2022

While the team never called the memorial a statue, many fans anticipated a bronzed statue. It was a huge disappointment for many.

This is the Sean Taylor "statue" that was just unveiled on the 15th anniversary of his tragic death.

Another embarrassing moment for the Washington franchise. Unreal.

( @Scott7news)pic.twitter.com/LhF9j8DU2N
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 27, 2022

Sean Taylor was one of the most polarizing athletes to ever grace an NFL field, let alone wear the burgundy and gold.

THIS is what the team unveiled today in his honor? A jersey on a mannequin with wire arms and soccer cleats? This is absolutely disgusting.

(via @Sam4TR) pic.twitter.com/Vjp3exzpfF
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) November 27, 2022

Sean Taylor Deserved a Statue. pic.twitter.com/As8sio1puN
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) November 27, 2022

They got Sean Taylor looking like an anonymous kicker from the 80s, everybody involved should be ashamed of themselves https://t.co/ZaDQWyWXjT
— Aaron West (@oeste) November 27, 2022

Contrary to popular belief, Taylor’s daughter, Jackie, seemed pleased showing her emotions as she talked about the moment with reporters.

I know fans are not happy with the Sean Taylor Memorial.

His family is happy though, that's all that matters.

This is Sean's daughter, Jackie.

Listen to her words, watch the emotion…this was a tough day for the entire Taylor family. pic.twitter.com/8aJdUCJdwv
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 27, 2022

The Commanders previously said the team was partnering with Taylor’s family on the project.

Maybe the family’s approval could ease the qualms of fans and critics.

This article first appeared on DC Sports King and was syndicated with permission.

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