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John McDonnell/The Washington Post The Sean Taylor memorial that was installed at the Commanders’ stadium in November 2022 has been removed.
The Washington Post / Nicki Jhabvala
17:13 JST, August 25, 2024
The Washington Commanders removed the controversial memorial installation honoring Sean Taylor at their Landover stadium and are working on a new plan, which will include a new statue, to pay tribute to the late safety.
“We realize that the installation fell short in honoring one of our franchise’s most iconic players,” the team said Saturday in a statement. “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, fanbase and community. The Washington Commanders are committed to honoring our legends in a first-class manner.”
The new statue honoring Taylor, who was shot and killed during a home invasion in 2007, will be able to move to the team’s next stadium, according to one person with knowledge of the team’s plans.
The original installation – a wire mannequin with a Washington helmet and uniform designed to look like what Taylor once wore – was unveiled to significant criticism in November 2022. Members of Taylor’s family, including his daughter Jackie, were in attendance and approved of the display. Others quickly noted its flaws, which included the use of a Nike jersey (Nike didn’t become the NFL’s uniform provider until 2012) and the absence of Taylor’s signature taping on the face mask.
The Commanders later altered the installation to address the issues. But the tribute still drew criticism, and the team’s new ownership group, led by Josh Harris, took note.
“I’m thankful for Josh Harris and the Commanders family for their continued commitment to keep my dad’s legacy alive,” Jackie Taylor said in a statement shared by the team. “I look forward to sharing plans in the future and learning more about my dad through this process. I’m forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support from this special fan base. I’m filled with gratitude to know that my dad will forever be a part of the burgundy and gold family.”
Harris and his partners have invested more than $75 million in Commanders Stadium for capital repairs and upgrades to the fan experience. The team will unveil a new premium suite called the “Tunnel Club” that will give 150 season ticket holders access to an area where players travel to and from the field and locker room. Among other changes are the addition of the 1932 Club, another premium space for season ticket holders; more terrace tables; touchless security at all of the stadium’s entry gates; a new sound system and lighting; touchless food and beverage markets on the main concourse; resurfaced parking lots and updated furnishings and carpet on the club level.
