![Redskins legend Sean Taylor in 2005. (AP/Evan Vucci)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/sean-taylor.jpg)
![DETROIT - NOVEMBER 7: Sean Taylor #36 of the Washington Redskins recovers an onside kick late in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field November 7, 2004 in Detroit, Michigan. The Redskins won, 17-10. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-51694281-1880x1009.jpg)
![LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 5: Sean Taylor #36 of the Washington Redskins reacts after breaking up a pass during the second half of the game against the New York Giants at Fed Ex Field on December 5, 2004 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-51826932-1732x1254.jpg)
![LANDOVER,MD - DECEMBER 5: Sean Taylor #36 of the Washington Redskins stands on the sideline during the game against the New York Giants at Fed Ex Field on December 5, 2004 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins won 31-7. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-51941805-836x1254.jpg)
![SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 18: Sean Taylor #36 of the Washington Redskins makes a reception against Cedrick WIlson #84 of the San Francisco 49ers on December 18, 2004 at Monster Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-51878071-1702x1254.jpg)
![IRVING, TX - DECEMBER 26: Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson #19 of the Dallas Cowboys makes an incomplete pass against Sean Taylor #36 of the Washington Redskins on December 26, 2004 at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins 13-10. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-51895531-972x1254.jpg)
![Washington Redskins defensive back Sean Taylor (21) looks on against Oakland during the second half at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland on November 20, 2005. Oakland defeated Washington 16-13. (Photo by Allen Kee/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-78101363-1880x1254.jpg)
![DALLAS - SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Julius Jones #21 of the Dallas Cowboys has the ball stripped by Sean Taylor #21 of the Washington Redskins on September 17, 2006 at Texas Stadium in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-71912855-1880x1182.jpg)
![LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 05: Dallas Cowboys guard Kyle Kosier #63 grabs the facemask of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor #21 in fourth quarter action November 5, 2006 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. The facemask penalty led to the Washington Redskins kicking a game winning field goal with no time remaining to win the game 22-19. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-72412879-1704x1254.jpg)
![Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor (21) leaps for a touchdown after his 39-yard fumble-return against the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter of their NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006, in Philadelphia. At left is safety Pierson Prioleau (20). The Redskins won, 31-20. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/AP_06010106499-1880x1231.jpg)
![LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Sean Taylor #21 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants after intercepting a pass September 23, 2007 at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-76969125-831x1254.jpg)
![seantaylorAP.jpg](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/369588.jpg)
![** FILE ** In this Nov. 26, 2007 file photo, Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor is chased by the Arizona Cardinals after Taylor made a first-quarter interception during an NFL football game in Landover, Md. There are tangible reminders of Sean Taylor at Redskins Park. The plaque outside new head coach Jim Zorn's office, for example. Or the Pro Bowl safety's locker room stall, still arranged precisely as it was the day he died. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/AP_071021059382-921x1254.jpg)
![Solemn football fans hold up towels with number 21 in memory of slain Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor during a ceremony before the start of the football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, at FedExField in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/AP_071202023694-1880x1174.jpg)
![Washington Redskins long snapper Ethan Albright, left, Redskins tackle Chris Samuels, center, Redskins tight end Chris Cooley, right, are introduced before the Pro Bowl football game in Honolulu, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008. All the Redskins players are wearing No. 21 in honor of slain teammate Sean Taylor. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/AP_080210025401-1207x1254.jpg)
![A sign bearing the name of the late Washington Redskins' Sean Taylor is revealed in a ceremony prior to the Redskins' NFL football game against the New York Giants in Landover, Md., Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008. Taylor, who was fatally shot in his Florida home a year ago, was inducted into the Redskins Ring of Fame. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/AP_081130017197-819x1254.jpg)
![Redskins legend Sean Taylor in 2005. (AP/Evan Vucci)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/sean-taylor-260x174.jpg)
![DETROIT - NOVEMBER 7: Sean Taylor #36 of the Washington Redskins recovers an onside kick late in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field November 7, 2004 in Detroit, Michigan. The Redskins won, 17-10. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-51694281-260x174.jpg)
![LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 5: Sean Taylor #36 of the Washington Redskins reacts after breaking up a pass during the second half of the game against the New York Giants at Fed Ex Field on December 5, 2004 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-51826932-260x174.jpg)
![LANDOVER,MD - DECEMBER 5: Sean Taylor #36 of the Washington Redskins stands on the sideline during the game against the New York Giants at Fed Ex Field on December 5, 2004 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins won 31-7. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-51941805-260x174.jpg)
![SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 18: Sean Taylor #36 of the Washington Redskins makes a reception against Cedrick WIlson #84 of the San Francisco 49ers on December 18, 2004 at Monster Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-51878071-260x174.jpg)
![IRVING, TX - DECEMBER 26: Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson #19 of the Dallas Cowboys makes an incomplete pass against Sean Taylor #36 of the Washington Redskins on December 26, 2004 at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins 13-10. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-51895531-260x174.jpg)
![Washington Redskins defensive back Sean Taylor (21) looks on against Oakland during the second half at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland on November 20, 2005. Oakland defeated Washington 16-13. (Photo by Allen Kee/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-78101363-260x174.jpg)
![DALLAS - SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Julius Jones #21 of the Dallas Cowboys has the ball stripped by Sean Taylor #21 of the Washington Redskins on September 17, 2006 at Texas Stadium in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-71912855-260x174.jpg)
![LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 05: Dallas Cowboys guard Kyle Kosier #63 grabs the facemask of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor #21 in fourth quarter action November 5, 2006 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. The facemask penalty led to the Washington Redskins kicking a game winning field goal with no time remaining to win the game 22-19. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-72412879-260x174.jpg)
![Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor (21) leaps for a touchdown after his 39-yard fumble-return against the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter of their NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006, in Philadelphia. At left is safety Pierson Prioleau (20). The Redskins won, 31-20. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/AP_06010106499-260x174.jpg)
![LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Sean Taylor #21 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants after intercepting a pass September 23, 2007 at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GettyImages-76969125-260x174.jpg)
![seantaylorAP.jpg](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/369588.jpg)
![** FILE ** In this Nov. 26, 2007 file photo, Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor is chased by the Arizona Cardinals after Taylor made a first-quarter interception during an NFL football game in Landover, Md. There are tangible reminders of Sean Taylor at Redskins Park. The plaque outside new head coach Jim Zorn's office, for example. Or the Pro Bowl safety's locker room stall, still arranged precisely as it was the day he died. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/AP_071021059382-260x174.jpg)
![Solemn football fans hold up towels with number 21 in memory of slain Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor during a ceremony before the start of the football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, at FedExField in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/AP_071202023694-260x174.jpg)
![Washington Redskins long snapper Ethan Albright, left, Redskins tackle Chris Samuels, center, Redskins tight end Chris Cooley, right, are introduced before the Pro Bowl football game in Honolulu, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008. All the Redskins players are wearing No. 21 in honor of slain teammate Sean Taylor. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/AP_080210025401-260x174.jpg)
![A sign bearing the name of the late Washington Redskins' Sean Taylor is revealed in a ceremony prior to the Redskins' NFL football game against the New York Giants in Landover, Md., Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008. Taylor, who was fatally shot in his Florida home a year ago, was inducted into the Redskins Ring of Fame. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/AP_081130017197-260x174.jpg)
WASHINGTON — November 27 will always have a somber feel to it in Washington.
That’s the date, 10 years ago, that Sean Taylor died of a gunshot wound suffered in a home invasion. A new father, a son, a brother and a rare football talent was stolen from his family — both his literal relatives and his Washington friends and teammates — forever.
The Redskins organization and their fans have never been the same since. In his final season, Taylor had five interceptions, a forced fumble and broke up nine passes in just nine games. In his four-year career, he totaled 12 picks and eight forced fumbles, registering at least one of each in every one of those seasons. His impact was undeniable and virtually instant.
Just flip through the gallery above. The blocked field goal return to pull out an improbable home win against Dallas. The scoop-and-score fumble return in Philadelphia to propel the Skins to a playoff berth. The two-interception game in Green Bay that could have easily been a five pick performance against future Hall-of-Famer Brett Favre. We still whoop and holler over that hit on punter Brian Moorman in the Pro Bowl like it happened yesterday.
In a Sean Taylor feature from Thursday's Redskins program, former Bills punter Brian Moorman says his Pro Bowl jersey is the only jersey he has framed frontwards because there is a piece of gold paint from Taylor's facemask in it. pic.twitter.com/4p1QUJYWOH
— Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell) November 27, 2017
That impact was never adequately replaced, both because the Redskins front office has been largely inept for much of the last 25 years and because there simply isn’t anyone like Taylor. His blend of power, speed, agility and ballhawking skills was unprecedented. His rare skill set made him a joy to watch and made him the most popular Redskin during the Joe Gibbs 2.0 era that served as little more than a brief reprieve from hating everything about the organization.
When Taylor died, everything changed. Gibbs retired again, setting in motion the events that led to the ill-fated Jim Zorn era. From LaRon Landry, to Reed Doughty, to O.J. Atogwe, to an elderly Ryan Clark, no one could come close to being productive at free safety, and the defense suffered. Save for an all-around top 10 unit in 2008, the ‘Skins D has never been better than 17th in scoring defense in the years since.
Robert Griffin III is the only player to match Taylor’s popularity in the last decade, and that short thrill ride was replaced by injuries and behavior best described as polarizing. That calls to mind the unsettled nature of Taylor’s death — he never got a chance to either develop into a Hall-of-Famer or fall from grace. His life and career ended abruptly at such a crucial juncture in both.
This is analogous to watching the first 45 minutes of an entertaining, compelling movie and seeing it fade to black right as the main character is emerging from the film’s conflict. There’s no On Demand or Netflix to come back later to see how Taylor’s story ends. It’s frustratingly unresolved, making him football’s version of James Dean.
That unfinished legacy built Taylor into a larger-than-life figure, among fans and present-day players alike. Taylor’s #21 remains the most popular jersey in the stands of any Redskins game, and he’s automatically assumed to be one of the franchise’s greatest players despite the fact he played only 55 games.
ESPN ran a segment Sunday featuring the young NFL safeties that draw inspiration from Taylor and even wear his jersey number in tribute. It’s pretty well known in these parts that D.J. Swearinger — by far the best Redskins safety in the 10 years since Taylor’s death — wears 36 because it’s the number Taylor wore his rookie season, and it meant enough to Swearinger that he was willing to pay for it.
I still remember hearing the news of Taylor’s death like it was last week. I was reporting traffic in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and was still a huge ‘Skins fan back then. I remember being numb for awhile, but simultaneously heartbroken that his daughter (who is approximately the same age as mine) will live the vast majority of her life without her father because of something so senseless.
The emotion came pouring out during the next game when the Redskins hosted the Bills, a game famous for the ‘Skins starting the game with only 10 defenders on the field and ending with Gibbs illegally calling consecutive timeouts. While that lives in Redskins lore, nothing from that day resonates with me more than the pregame video tribute.
As he had with many Redskins fans at the time, Taylor had become one of my favorite players. When you’re young (I was in my late 20s at the time), losing your favorite player to something other than injury or free agency is incomprehensible. Yet here I was, mourning a man I’d never met, feeling cheated that the possibility of doing so was forever lost.
Just like losing any loved one, Taylor’s death left a hole that can never truly be filled. Though some facets of his legacy are romanticized, it’s irrefutable that Taylor is now and forever missed.