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Washington Football Team announced on Thursday that it will be retiring the No. 21 jersey of late safety Sean Taylor. 21 jersey before Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
This ceremony is part of the alumni homecoming weekend in Washington, where Washington will host close to 100 former FedExField players.
Taylor was a Pro Bowler twice in Washington's four-season history and was a rising star when he tragically lost his life in 2007. He was killed in an invading force at his home in 2007.
Jason Wright, President of the Washington Football Team, stated:
"I joined the NFL in the same year Sean Taylor did. His athletic ability, resilience and grit and unwavering work ethic immediately set him apart. He was a role model for many, including me. It was a tragedy that he was taken so young, which hurt not only our players, but also our coaches, fans, and staff. We will remember him as an example of excellence and professionalism, and we will all work to emulate his achievements in our own ways.
WFT also announced that the route leading to FedExField will be officially renamed Sean Taylor Road before Sunday's game. A commemorative Sean Taylor rally towel will be given to the first 10,000 people who enter the stadium.
Taylor was a star player after a stellar collegiate career at Miami. He had the potential to be a Hall of Famer.
After Washington selected him fifth in the 2004 NFL Draft, he made an immediate impact. He was also named to the Pro Bowl in 2006. His 2006 stats included 114 tackles, seven passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and one interception.
Taylor was also posthumously selected for the Pro Bowl in 2007, after he had racked up five interceptions in just nine games during that season.
Taylor will be joining an exclusive club on Sunday. He is the third player to officially retire their number in franchise history. Other players are quarterback Sammy Baugh, wide receiver Bobby Mitchell and wide receiver Bobby Mitchell.
