The Washington Football Team is furthering its recent efforts to honor Sean Taylor. A month after retiring Taylor's No. 21 jersey, Washington announced its plans to build a physical memorial of the Pro Bowl safety at FedExField.
Washington is launching the Sean Taylor Memorial Project on April 1, Taylor's birthday, and is encouraging fans' input during the process. The team plans to unveil the memorial sometime during the 2022 season.
"Like the heart he showed on the field each and every day, Sean Taylor left a large and enduring imprint on our franchise," Washington's statement read.
Earlier this season, Washington drew criticism for announcing Taylor's jersey retirement ceremony only three days in advance and amid an investigation into the organization's workplace culture. The ceremony took place during halftime of the Football Team's Oct. 17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Washington Football Team president Jason Wright later apologized for the announcement's timing in an open letter to fans on the team's website.
"We thought that saving the news for a game week reveal was the best way to focus the message on Sean and his legacy," Wright wrote. "We didn't realize that so many of you wanted to make a trip to FedExField to be present for this moment -- a true lack of understanding of what you, the lifeblood of this franchise, needed to mourn our collective loss and celebrate Sean's legacy.
"As the guy who really wanted us to start honoring players better and differently -- in line with what they paid in the blood, sweat, and tears -- I'm angry and sad that we messed up your opportunity to honor Sean in person this weekend. I feel a pit in my stomach knowing how we have let so many of you down."
Taylor developed into one of the NFL's most dominant safeties over his young career but was shot and killed during an invasion into his home midway through his fourth NFL season. He was only 24 years old.
Washington inducted Taylor, a former No. 5 overall pick and two-time
