Career Timeline of Sean Taylor: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Sean Taylor built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Sean Taylor was an American professional football safety who played for the Washington Redskins in the NFL. Drafted fifth overall in 2004, he played four seasons before his tragic death in 2007. He was a highly regarded player known for his athleticism and hard-hitting style of play, quickly becoming a key player for the Redskins.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

2003: Announcement of NFL Draft Entry

Following the 2003 season, Sean Taylor announced he was entering the NFL draft and attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.

July 27, 2004: Signed with the Washington Redskins

On July 27, 2004, Sean Taylor signed a six-year, $18.5 million contract with the Washington Redskins, including a $13.4 million signing bonus.

August 4, 2004: Fired Agents

On August 4, 2004, Sean Taylor fired his agents, Eugene Mato and Jeff Moorad, due to dissatisfaction with his contract, and rehired Drew Rosenhaus.

August 9, 2004: NFL Preseason Debut

On August 9, 2004, Sean Taylor made his professional NFL debut in the Redskins' preseason game against the Denver Broncos, recording two interceptions and a touchdown.

October 18, 2004: First Career Interception and Sack

On October 18, 2004, Sean Taylor recorded his first career interception and sack during a game against the Chicago Bears. He made four solo tackles, a pass deflection, and returned his first career interception for 45-yards during a 13–10 win at the Chicago Bears.

2004: Drafted by the Washington Redskins

In 2004, Sean Taylor was drafted fifth overall in the NFL draft by the Washington Redskins. He played for them for four seasons.

2004: Wore Number 36 as a rookie

In 2004, as a rookie, Sean Taylor wore No. 36 before switching to No. 21 for the remainder of his career.

January 1, 2006: Season-High Tackles Against Eagles

On January 1, 2006, Sean Taylor recorded a season-high nine combined tackles and deflected two passes during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

October 15, 2006: Season-High Tackles Against Titans

On October 15, 2006, Sean Taylor collected a season-high ten combined tackles against the Tennessee Titans.

2006: Starting Free Safety

In 2006, Joe Gibbs named Sean Taylor as the starting free safety.

2006: Pro Bowl Appearance

In 2006, Sean Taylor made his first Pro Bowl appearance.

2007: Pro Bowl Appearance

In 2007, Sean Taylor made his first and only Pro Bowl appearance after Brian Dawkins chose not to play due to injury.

2007: Jersey Number Change and Starting Role

In 2007, Sean Taylor retained jersey number 21 and maintained his position as the starting free safety for the Washington Redskins.

November 30, 2008: Induction into Redskins Ring of Fame

On November 30, 2008, Sean Taylor was posthumously inducted as the 43rd member into the Washington Redskins Ring of Fame.

2008: Posthumous Pro Bowl and All-Pro Selection

In 2008, Sean Taylor was posthumously voted starting free safety for the NFC team for the 2008 Pro Bowl and was voted a second team All-Pro.

2008: Pro Bowl Jersey Auction for Memorial Fund

In 2008, teammates Chris Cooley, Chris Samuels, and Ethan Albright wore jerseys with No. 21 during the Pro Bowl. The three jerseys were auctioned off, and the proceeds were donated to the Sean Taylor Memorial Trust Fund.

2016: Su'a Cravens chooses number 36

In 2016, The Washington Redskins' second round pick in the NFL draft, Su'a Cravens, chose No. 36 upon joining the Redskins as a rookie in dedication to Taylor.

2017: Cravens switched to No. 39

In 2017 Su'a Cravens switched to No. 39 after safety D. J. Swearinger requested No. 36 after signing with the Redskins as a free agent. Swearinger wore No. 36 throughout four teams in his professional career as a way to honor Taylor.

October 2021: Jersey Retirement and Road Naming Ceremony

In October 2021, Sean Taylor's jersey number was retired by the team, making him the third player in the team's history to receive this honor. A road leading to the stadium was also named in his honor during the ceremony.

October 17, 2021: Number Retired

On October 17, 2021, the Washington franchise retired Sean Taylor's number 21 before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs with his family in attendance.