Washington Commanders Honor Legendary Safety Sean Taylor on His Birthday

The Washington Commanders remembered safety Sean Taylor on what would have been his 41st birthday.

It's been nearly 17 years since safety Sean Taylor's life was tragically cut short and the Washington Commanders are continuing their tradition of remembering the short time he spent in this life and in the organization.

Taylor was born on April 1st, 1983 long before he'd become a mainstay in the hearts and minds of Commanders fans everywhere, and in less than 25 years he was able to make a lasting impact on the franchise and in the biggest professional sports league this country has ever seen.

Washington continued its tradition of honoring Taylor on Monday by wishing him a happy birthday on their social media sites and ensuring his memory stays fresh and alive nearly two decades after his passing.

Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor (21).

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Taylor entered the league as the fifth overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft after producing two standout seasons playing collegiately for the Miami Hurricanes in 2002-03.

He was on the field for three full seasons and nine games of his last before suffering a fatal wound while protecting his family from a robber in November of 2007 and earned two Pro Bowl selections in those four years.

Taylor's daughter Jackie was just 18 months old the night her father was taken from her and as she's grown up in the light of Sean's short time with us she's taken up the cause of ensuring her father's memory is not only remembered but continues to impact those he can reach.

"My biggest thing has always been just making sure his name stays alive," Jackie told ESPN's John Keim. "It's never felt like a burden, but it's just felt like a part of me to connect with him."

The younger Taylor is following in her father's footsteps of athletic excellence as a volleyball player at the University of North Carolina and fortunately she isn't alone in efforts ensuring her father is remembered for what he did, could have done, and in the heroic way he spent his final moments.