Sean Taylor's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Sean Taylor. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

2000: Florida Class 2A State Championship

In 2000, Sean Taylor helped Gulliver Preparatory School win the Florida Class 2A State Championship with a 14-1 record.

2001: Big East Special Teams Player of the Week

As a freshman on the 2001 Miami Hurricanes football team, Sean Taylor was named Big East Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against the Pittsburgh Panthers.

2001: Miami Hurricanes National Championship

In 2001, Sean Taylor was a member of the Miami Hurricanes team that won the BCS National Championship.

2002: All-Big East Selection

In 2002, Sean Taylor was a second-team All-Big East selection and led Miami defensive backs in tackles, interceptions and passes broken up.

November 26, 2006: NFC Defensive Player of the Week

On November 26, 2006, Sean Taylor was voted NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Carolina Panthers, during which he recorded five combined tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception.

2006: Pro Bowl Appearance

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

December 18, 2007: Posthumous Pro Bowl Selection

On December 18, 2007, Sean Taylor was posthumously voted to his second Pro Bowl, becoming the first deceased player in NFL history to be elected to the Pro Bowl.

2007: Death and Posthumous Honors

During the 2007 season, Sean Taylor was shot and killed. Posthumously, he earned a second Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro honors.

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: All-Century Team Selection

In 2007, Sean Taylor was named to the Florida High School Athletic Association's All-Century Team, recognizing the top players in the 100-year history of high school football in the state.

2007: Hardest-Hitting Player in the NFL

Prior to the start of the 2007 season, Sports Illustrated named Sean Taylor the hardest-hitting player in the NFL.

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: Inducted into Washington's Ring of Fame

In 2008, Sean Taylor was inducted into Washington's Ring of Fame posthumously.

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.

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.