What happened to Sean Taylor, the former Washington safety?
Sean Taylor is the central figure in one of the NFL’s most tragic storylines. Taylor was a Pro Bowl safety with the Washington Redskins in the 2000s. He was even named the top athlete out of high school in 2001 before enrolling at the University of Miami.
He opted to play for Miami since it was near his childhood home. Taylor was a top-five choice in the 2004 NFL Draft after a stellar collegiate career.
Taylor was on his way to greatness in 2007, when he had amazing stats, and everyone praised his hard ethic and newly discovered maturity. Later that year, however, disaster struck.
What became of Sean Taylor? Washington’s security was assassinated in his own house.
Taylor lived in Miami despite the fact that he played for Washington. While he was travelling, his residence was searched on November 18, 2007. Days later, on November 26, the place was broken into once more. Taylor, on the other hand, was present for the attempted burglary this time. Taylor was wounded in the upper leg, causing substantial blood loss, after the attackers were scared off by his presence.
Sean Taylor passed away on November 27, 2007.
During Week 13 of that season, every NFL player wore a sticker with the number 21 on their helmet to remember Taylor. For the first defensive snap against the Buffalo Bills that weekend, Washington had only 10 players on the field. Taylor was also the first player to be named to the Pro Bowl after his death.
Sean Taylor’s NFL Beginnings
Taylor was viewed as fairly immature in his early years in the NFL. He earned some of the criticism. He was fined $25,000 for leaving the rookie symposium in 2004, was ejected from a playoff game with Washington after spitting on an opponent, and was penalized by the league seven times between 2004 and 2006.
Taylor was also a powerful hitter, and his most notable hit occurred at the 2006 Pro Bowl. Following the AFC team’s fake punt, safety-level punter Brian Moorman.
Sean Taylor gave us one of those most iconic Pro Bowl highlights ever ? @ESPNNFL
— ESPN (@espn) October 14, 2021
@WashingtonNFL will retire his No. 21 this Sunday.
(via @nflthrowback)pic.twitter.com/2nRdVXQDd8
There will never be another 21 ?
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 14, 2021
On Sunday, we will officially retire Sean Taylor's number
It’s crucial to remember that the Pro Bowl is more of an exhibition game. Some considered Taylor’s huge strike on the punter to be childish. Others, however, saw it as a player who gives his all on the field regardless of the circumstances.
Eric Rivera Jr., who was 17 at the time, was identified as Sean Taylor’s killer and sentenced to 57 years in jail. Taylor died, leaving behind a girlfriend and an 18-month-old daughter.
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