Gabe Taylor took a moment before putting on the burgundy and gold Washington helmet for the first time. For him, it meant much more than just the helmet he would wear during the weekend as a tryout player for the Commanders during their rookie minicamp.
They are the same colors that his late brother, Sean, used when he played for the franchise from 2004 to 2007, before being murdered.
“Entering through these doors, man, all the memories,” Taylor told reporters after Saturday’s practice. “And they have the number 21 jersey on the equipment room wall… I feel like it’s something I have to do and represent it.”
Gabe Taylor
That’s why it meant something to him just to put on the helmet.
“I had to take a moment to take a deep breath,” Taylor said. “It’s been the Washington Redskins, the Commanders my whole life. I hope I get to put it on again.”
Gabe Taylor
Gabe wore a burgundy-colored t-shirt with the number 26, the same one his brother wore at the University of Miami. Washington retired the number 21, which Taylor wore during his last three seasons with the team.
He was twice selected for the Pro Bowl and was posthumously named second-team All-Pro in 2007.
Sean Taylor arrived in Washington as the fifth pick in the draft. Gabe Taylor has nothing guaranteed beyond a tryout this weekend.
“Coming here, I couldn’t ask for anything better,” he told reporters. “I hope to show them that I can come in and contribute in any way possible.”
Gabe Taylor
Gabe Taylor played four years at Rice and was named the American Athletic Conference’s defensive player of the year last season.
“I love seeing guys like him really put in the effort,” Washington coach Dan Quinn told reporters when asked about Taylor.
Dan Quinn
Sean Taylor was a 6-foot-2-inch, 230-pound safety. Gabe Taylor is 5 feet 10 inches and weighs 190 pounds.
“I don’t care what people say about my height and want to compare me to him, but it doesn’t matter,” Gabe said. “The only goal I have with this team is to be the last team standing and win a championship.”
Gabe Taylor
But he showed the same mentality as his brother.
“I’m the kind of person who thrives on criticism,” he said. “I think I’m a pretty good player. I’m very versatile; they can go see the film. It speaks for itself.”
Gabe Taylor
