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Sean Taylor

Sean Taylor was an American professional football safety who played for the Washington Redskins in the National Football League (NFL) from 2004 to 2007.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sean Taylor was an American professional football safety who played for the Washington Redskins in the National Football League (NFL) from 2004 to 2007. A first-round draft pick from the University of Miami, he was selected to two Pro Bowls and was posthumously honored after his death in 2007.

Early life and college career

Sean Taylor was born in Miami, Florida, and played college football at the University of Miami. He developed a reputation as an athletic and physical defensive back before entering the NFL.

NFL career

Taylor was drafted by the Washington Redskins with the fifth overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft and played safety for the franchise until 2007. He recorded 12 interceptions and 8 forced fumbles, and became known as one of the league's most dynamic defenders, earning two Pro Bowl selections.

Death and aftermath

Taylor died on November 27, 2007, after being shot at his home in Miami. His death led to widespread tributes, and he was posthumously selected to the Pro Bowl in 2007, a first in NFL history.

Legacy

Taylor is remembered as one of the most talented safeties of his era despite a career cut short. His impact on the Washington franchise and the NFL has been commemorated in team and league tributes.

Key facts

  • Taylor was selected fifth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by Washington.
  • He played parts of four NFL seasons with Washington from 2004 to 2007.
  • He recorded 12 interceptions and 8 forced fumbles in his NFL career.
  • He was chosen for the Pro Bowl in 2006 and again posthumously in 2007.
  • Taylor died after being shot at his home in Miami in November 2007.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Sean Taylor?
Sean Taylor was an NFL safety who played for the Washington Redskins from 2004 to 2007 and was known for his playmaking ability and physical style.
What team drafted Sean Taylor?
The Washington Redskins selected him fifth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft.
How many Pro Bowls did Sean Taylor make?
He was selected to two Pro Bowls.
What were Sean Taylor's career stats?
Across his NFL career, he recorded 12 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles, 2 sacks, and more than 240 solo tackles in regular-season play.
When did Sean Taylor die?
He died on November 27, 2007, after being shot at his home in Miami.

References

  1. ESPNhttps://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/5530/sean-taylor
    Supports: Birthdate, birthplace, college, draft position, position
  2. NFL.comhttps://www.nfl.com/news/sidelines/remembering-sean-taylor
    Supports: Career context, Pro Bowls, impact, physical style, draft status
  3. Washington Commandershttps://www.commanders.com/team/history/sean-taylor-tribute
    Supports: Team history, seasons played, Pro Bowl honors, career interceptions and forced fumbles
  4. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Taylor
    Supports: Death date and posthumous Pro Bowl selection
  5. StatMusehttps://www.statmuse.com/nfl/player/sean-taylor-20296
    Supports: Career totals including tackles, sacks, and interceptions