Sean Taylor

April 1, 2025

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Sean Taylor was born on April 1, 1983, in Florida, where he spent most of his early years with his grandmother. He was the son of Pedro Taylor, a policeman, and Donna Junor. Taylor played football for the National Football League (N.F.L.) team, the Washington Redskins. His career kicked off in college and he was recruited into the N.F.L. in 2004. Taylor was tragically murdered in 2007 and he was inducted into Washington’s Ring of Fame in 2008.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Sean Michael Maurice Taylor

Birth date:

April 1, 1983

Death date:

November 27, 2007 (age 24)

Zodiac Sign:

Aries

Height:

6' 2"

Net Worth:

$5.8 million

Background

Sean Michael Maurice Taylor was born on April 1, 1983, in Florida, where he spent most of his early years with his grandmother. He is the son of Pedro Taylor, a policeman, and Donna Junor. Taylor played football in high school where he had an impressive career as an offensive and defensive player. He became a promising football player and was recruited to play for the Miami Hurricanes football team at the University of Miami in 2001. During his final year at college, Taylor produced a historic season that won him various awards and accolades. Impressively, Taylor was named a first-team All-American as well as the Big East Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

After his success at college, Taylor joined the N.F.L. draft in 2004. He was chosen by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2004 N.F.L. draft. He was signed to a six-year contract and he became the first member drafted to sign his contract that year. Taylor’s career with the Washington Redskins lasted from 2004 to 2007 and during that time he achieved a great deal. He was honored by being voted into two Pro Bowls in 2006 and 2007, and he was voted to the 2007 All-Pro team.

Taylor was tragically murdered in 2007 after confronting intruders in his Washington home. Taylor was honored by the N.F.L. by having his player number, 21, placed at the back of all N.F.L. players’ helmets. He was also inducted into Washington’s Ring of Fame in 2008.

Career timeline

2001

College Football

Taylor starts his college football career.

2004

The Washington Redskins

Taylor signs a six-year contract with the Washington Redskins.

2006

The Pro Bowl

Taylor is voted into his first Pro Bowl.

2008

The Ring of Fame

Taylor is inducted into Washington’s Ring of Fame.

Why We Love Sean Taylor

He had an impressive career
Although short, Taylor’s career was iconic and still inspires many N.F.L. players today. Some players choose to honor Taylor by donning his player number during games.
He was talented
Taylor’s short career is a testament to his talent as a football player. In just four years, he became one of the best safeties in N.F.L. history.
He showed real personal growth
Taylor’s teammates were impressed by how he matured after the birth of his daughter. Before this, he had a reputation for refusing to speak to reporters after games, something many people thought was quite childish.

5 Surprising Facts

He was multi-talented
In high school, Taylor participated in track, basketball, and football and succeeded in all three sports.
His contract was impressive
Taylor’s contract with the Redskins was worth $18.5 million and included a signing bonus of $13.4 million and could have been worth $40 million with incentives and bonuses.
He fired his agents
Taylor fired agents twice in five months after he was dissatisfied with his contract.
He was fined
Taylor was fined at least seven times during his first three seasons because of late hits and uniform violations, among others.
He had a criminal record
Taylor was arrested twice during his career with the Redskins.