Following substantial backlash regarding a tribute designed to honor the late two-time Pro Bowl safety Sean Taylor, the Washington Commanders have taken it down and revealed intentions to construct a statue in its place.

“After thoughtful consideration, we’ve made the decision to remove the Sean Taylor installation from Commanders Field,” a team spokesperson communicated in a statement on Saturday. “We understand that the installation did not adequately honor one of our franchise’s most revered players. In collaboration with the Taylor family, we are formulating a plan that includes unveiling a statue to properly honor Sean’s legacy and influence within our organization, fanbase, and community. The Washington Commanders are dedicated to celebrating our legends in a dignified manner.”

The organization also mentioned that Taylor’s daughter, Jackie, would participate in the statue’s design process. At just 18 months old, Jackie lost her father, who was murdered at 24 during a home invasion attempt on November 27, 2007.

The previous installation was unveiled in November 2022 amid a game against the Atlanta Falcons. At that time, team ownership was under Daniel Snyder, who was known for several errors regarding team-fan relations and for fostering a toxic workplace culture, leading to a $10 million penalty by the NFL and allegations of sexual misconduct.

In July 2023, however, the NFL approved the sale of the franchise to a consortium led by billionaire Josh Harris.

“I’m grateful to Josh Harris and the Commanders organization for their ongoing commitment to preserving my dad’s legacy,” Jackie Taylor expressed in the statement. “I look forward to sharing future plans and gaining a deeper understanding of my dad through this journey.”

The former tribute that has now been removed was installed on very short notice, showcasing a mannequin-like figure draped in a Washington jersey featuring Taylor’s No. 21. Unfortunately, the jersey was not even from the correct era, as the NFL’s apparel partner during Taylor’s time was Reebok, not Nike.

The new statue will mark the first time in team history that a former player will be honored with a statue.

Taylor played for the NFL from 2004 to 2007, exclusively with Washington. He was selected for the Pro Bowl in his final two seasons, amassing 305 tackles, 12 interceptions, eight forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one touchdown. He was posthumously inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor the year after his tragic death.

Taylor initially wore jersey No. 36 during his rookie year before switching to No. 21 the very next season. The Commanders honored him by retiring his jersey in 2021, making him just the fourth player in the team’s history to receive this recognition.

Taylor was selected fifth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, coming from the University of Miami.

“I am incredibly thankful for the overwhelming love and support from this wonderful fanbase,” Jackie Taylor remarked. “I feel immense gratitude knowing that my dad will always be a part of the burgundy and gold family.”