Even during a Washington Commanders’ win, there always seems to be some controversy.
This time it didn’t involve owner Daniel Snyder — or anything that happened on the field.
Instead, criticism surrounded the memorial for team legend Sean Taylor. Taylor, who was tragically killed in his own home by intruders in 2007. Taylor’s jersey was retired last season. Remember the controversy surrounding that debacle?
Before Sunday’s game, Washington planned to unveil a memorial at FedEx Field of Taylor, with many of his family members, including his daughter Jackie, in attendance. In addition, the team, in cooperation with Jackie, created the Sean Taylor Legacy Project merchandise line with proceeds to benefit gun violence prevention initiatives.
So, back to the memorial, well, it wasn’t as planned and left many thinking, “why do they screw everything up?”
In fairness to the Commanders, they never promised a statue, only a memorial. And the memorial can be moved when Washington lands a new stadium. Most took it as the team was building a statue and the outcome was far different than expected.
Something to note here, Taylor’s family was involved throughout the process, so if they’re happy, does it matter what anyone else thinks?
Regardless, the unveiling received some strong reactions from around social media. We start with the most important reaction from Sean Taylor’s daughter, Jackie.
Jackie Taylor [Sean's daughter]
Sean Taylor’s daughter, Jackie, says her favorite part of her dad’s memorial: the soccer cleats pic.twitter.com/9sGkWtGwCz
— Sharla McBride (@SharlaMcBride) November 27, 2022
I know fans are not happy with the Sean Taylor Memorial.
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
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 27, 2022
Sean Taylor’s children with Clinton Portis, Fred Smoot and Santana Moss pic.twitter.com/OhHfd89W3G
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 27, 2022
Robert Griffin III
Sean Taylor Deserved a Statue. pic.twitter.com/As8sio1puN
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) November 27, 2022
Ari Meirov
This is the Sean Taylor "statue" that was just unveiled on the 15th anniversary of his tragic death.
Another embarrassing moment for the Washington franchise. Unreal.
(🎥 @Scott7news)pic.twitter.com/LhF9j8DU2N
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 27, 2022
Ryan Fowler
Sean Taylor was one of the most polarizing athletes to ever grace an NFL field, let alone wear the burgundy and gold.
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
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) November 27, 2022
Darren Haynes
Commanders fans may not like the Sean Taylor memorial but if you're complaining about the soccer cleats or the gloves that were not fasten……you clearly weren't a fan of Sean Taylor.
— Darren M. Haynes (@DarrenMHaynes) November 27, 2022
Commanders' hater Warren Sharp
WTF 🤬 no, not a statue for the icon…
but a MANNEQUIN for Sean Taylor?? pic.twitter.com/i7gfeZCfyJ
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) November 27, 2022
Kevin Sheehan
As far as the Sean Taylor "mannequin" goes, at this point, it's not about them getting it right, it's whether or not they offend anybody important. As long as the family is okay with it, fine. On to the 2nd half.
— Kevin Sheehan (@kevinsheehanDC) November 27, 2022
Gambling guy
Pat Tillman statue vs. Sean Taylor memorial pic.twitter.com/HGJz8GtyYJ
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) November 27, 2022
Barstool
Commanders were set to reveal a Sean Taylor statue today.
Turns out it was just a mannequin?
Dan Snyder strikes again. pic.twitter.com/emB41JhKSB
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 27, 2022
Will Compton
Dan Snyder unveils the Black Friday sale going on at FedEx Field
The Sean Taylor collab
20% off everything you see on the mannequin pic.twitter.com/BOmizlaDt7
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) November 27, 2022
Rick Snider
Rick Snider’s Washington says commemoration of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor fell short. Gimme two minutes. pic.twitter.com/R2XN0t8AI9
— Rick Snider's Washington (@Snide_Remarks) November 27, 2022
Peter Panagos
The Commanders thought a store mannequin with a Sean Taylor jersey on it was a nice tribute. This may be the most tone deaf franchise in sports.
— Peter Panagos (@PeteTheGreek13) November 27, 2022
Fans
Defend the FO all you want, but this Sean Taylor memorial is yet another joke in the teams history. All this is, is a wire mannequin that you can find at the mall. The LEAST they could have done is taped up the facemask. pic.twitter.com/L6McQmocw5
— Commander Sean (@FlSkinsFan4Life) November 27, 2022
Not gonna lie it looks like we stole a wired mannequin from Dicks Sporting Goods and threw Sean Taylor’s uniform on it. Dan can’t sell this team soon enough #HTTC
— DC Sports 💯 (@_mattschoen_) November 27, 2022
I just finished designing my own Sean Taylor tribute. pic.twitter.com/nrHsH087JJ
— Jon DePompa (@JonDepompa) November 27, 2022
