Sean Taylor’s Family Said They Hadn’t Heard About Jersey Retirement Until This Week

A widespread surprise hit the N.F.L. when the Washington Football Team announced an honorary jersey ceremony for the late Sean Taylor. While the player has been celebrated for nearly 14 years by the Washington fan base, a ceremony for Taylor did not appear likely after more than a decade-and-a-half's amount of time.

On Thursday, the team announced it would hold a retirement ceremony for Taylor's No. 21 jersey, set for Week 6's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Many saw the move as their damage control of the leaked email(s) scandal — a rushed attempt to distance themselves from critics.

Sean Taylor's family spoke with Washington-based station 106.7 The Fan and confirmed that the team had not been contact about the jersey retirement until the same week of the leaked messages.

Taylor made it to four seasons with the then-Washington Redskins team and had his career tragically cut short in 2007.

Sean's little brother, Gabe Taylor, said on Friday that the family had not received correspondence from the League or team until roughly "four days ago." Taylor's family was surprised to hear of the sudden retirement ceremony after years of radio silence.

On Oct. 8, leaked emails revealed former Raiders coach Jon Gruden communicating with Washington's former president and general manager Bruce Allen: the same thread where Gruden made the derogatory remarks toward NFLPA's DeMaurice Smith. Days later, more leaked emails put the franchise in hot water for possessing topless photos of past cheerleaders.

An organization that already anticipated sub-par attendance numbers at FedEx Field continues its streak of misfortune and disconnect from the franchise. Between flip-flopping names and banning face paint for the fans, WFT continues to produce WTF moments.

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