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Almost 14 years following his untimely death, Washington Football Team is officially retiring number 21...safety Sean Taylor's number.
Taylor was Washington's first round draft pick (#5 overall) in 2004 and was on his way to a stellar career. In his career he accumulated 299 total tackles, 12 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections before losing his life in November 2007. While at home in Florida, he was shot by home intruders and died the following day from extensive blood loss.
This franchise will honor Taylor this Sunday by not just retiring his number, but by renaming the road that leads to FedEx Field "Sean Taylor Road."
"I came into the NFL the same year as Sean Taylor and immediately his athletic ability, resilience, grit, and relentless work ethic set him apart. I and many others looked to him as a role model," Jason Wright, Washington Football Team President, said in a press release shared by the team. "The fact that he was tragically taken so early hurt our player community, but also our fans, coaches, and staff. We will continue to remember him and hold him up as an example of professionalism and excellence, and we will all strive to mirror his excellence in our own ways."
Players will sport a #21 sticker on their helmets during this week's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, staff will wear #21 lapel pins and the first 10,000 fans will receive a Sean Taylor rally towel.
Read more here.