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.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 27, 2022
Another embarrassing moment for the Washington franchise. Unreal.
( @Scott7news)pic.twitter.com/LhF9j8DU2N
Sean Taylor was one of the most polarizing athletes to ever grace an NFL field, let alone wear the burgundy and gold.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) November 27, 2022
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
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.
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 27, 2022
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
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.
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