Eleven years ago, one of the most talented players in NFL history was murdered.
Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor was killed on Nov. 27, 2007, while protecting his family from a home invader.
He was 26 years old. Taylor is no longer with us, but his legacy lives on in the generation of future NFL players that he inspired. (RELATED: Redskins Sign Quarterback Following Alex Smith Injury. Will He Become The Starter?)
The man, the meast, the legend.
We miss you, Sean. #RIP21 pic.twitter.com/nevTB1LML3— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) November 27, 2018
In the game following Taylor’s death, the Redskins paid tribute to their fallen star with a four-minute tribute video before their game against the Buffalo Bills, and lined up just 10 men on the field during their first defensive play of the game. Eleven years after his death, current players still honor Taylor in a variety of different ways.
Taylor’s legacy inspired the careers of some of the NFL’s best safety’s such as Landon Collins, Haha Clinton-Dix, DJ Swearinger and Kam Chancellor. Sixteen current NFL safeties either wear one of Taylor’s old jersey numbers, either 36 or 21.
Collins grew up idolizing Taylor when the latter was a star at the University Of Miami, and currently wears the number 21 for the New York Giants as a tribute to his hero. Collins also donned the number 26, Taylor’s college number, during his three years as a safety at the University Of Alabama.
After being drafted fifth overall out of the University Of Miami in the 2004 NFL Draft, Taylor played four years in the NFL and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice. Known as a hard-hitter, Taylor was one of the best safeties in the league at the time of the hit.
Taylor’s murder robbed him of his life, and possibly his rightful place in the NFL Hall Of Fame, but it didn’t rob him of his influence.
Eleven years after his death, Taylor’s mark on the league is as visible as ever.