A bunch of excitement coursed through Gabe Taylor as he walked through the Commanders' facility for the first day of rookie minicamp on Friday, May 9. When he went to get his practice gear, the surrealness of the experience that was about to begin really dawned on him. There Taylor stood, about to put on the burgundy and gold helmet for the first time, in the presence of his late brother's jersey that hangs in Washington's equipment room.
"I had to take a moment, take a deep breath. I just looked at the helmet," Taylor said. "I've been watching the Washington Redskins, Commanders all my life. I could have gone somewhere else, but I chose here for a reason. Hopefully I get to put it on again and continue forward with them."
The 23-year-old safety earned his invitation to minicamp after an impressive college career. He was a multiyear starter for Rice and turned heads at the Owls' pro day last month, running 40-yard dash times between 4.38 and 4.44 seconds.
Taylor's participation in Washington's rookie minicamp is a huge milestone for Taylor and a special kind of full-circle moment for the entire Taylor family. Gabe's older brother Sean, a first-round pick in 2005, was an electrifying talent for the Burgundy & Gold before his career was tragically cut short by fatal injuries sustained during a 2007 home invasion.
Gabe, who was only six years old when Sean passed, has held his brother's memory close growing up. Joining the Commanders for minicamp this weekend despite calls from other teams is part of that homage. The significance of accepting that invitation certainly wasn't lost on him or his family.
"It meant everything...my dad was like 'I want you at the Commanders. I want you at the Commanders so bad.' I really wanted to come here too," Taylor explained. "I took a couple days, that's why I didn't say nothing after the draft. I just wanted to pray on it, and at the end of the day, it was my decision."
The decision to come to Washington meant opening the door to what head coach Dan Quinn has described as a "golden opportunity" for tryout players. This weekend in Ashburn, Gabe is focused on showing Washington's coaching staff that he can contribute to this team.
It would be easy for Taylor to get swept up in the "what ifs" of these few days. He, like other tryout players who are here, can taste the NFL dream. Taylor, however, says he is taking it "one day at a time," which is exactly what Quinn wants the attitude around minicamp to be for these guys.
"We don't really want them to really think about that [the initial 53-man roster or practice squad] yet. We don't really go so far as to say, 'What's going to happen in September?' Just work these skills, learn the system and the skills that are needed for the system," Quinn said. "If we can do that excellently then the 53 and the practice squad will kind of work itself out. If you're already looking ahead to that, I think you're going to miss all of the development, all the things that are going to take place."
Taylor has come in with the approach to soak up as much as possible from his minicamp time. He knows there are aspects of his play that could use refining and traits about him that some might see as a disadvantage. While he doesn't want those opinions to be a distraction, he isn't the type of person to hit the mute button on the noise.
"I like to see those comments, you know? I'm the type of person that thrives on critics. I'd rather be criticized than all the positivity, because I gotta get better," he said.
While he knows he's got room to grow, Taylor also knows his strengths, like his quickness, can be a benefit on the field. During one portion of defensive back drills on Saturday, a Washington coach commented, "Holy s*. I could feel how fast that was," when Taylor worked past him.
Taylor also flashed during the special teams portion of practice, and he did well to stay with his wide receiver downfield on a play during the final offense versus defense segment. Whether it's on special teams or on defense, Taylor is committed to demonstrating his value to this team.
"I'm very versatile…I'm not someone who is scared to put my hand in when I'm in the box. I can guard the slot. I can play zone," he said. "I just thank God for the opportunity He gave me, and hopefully I show the team that I can come in and contribute in any way."
While the full extent of Gabe Taylor's opportunity with Washington is yet to be determined, the work ethic, professionalism and growth-oriented mindset he has carried is a testament to who he is and the people who have shaped him. Top of that list no doubt is the man who came before him two decades ago.
When asked what his brother Sean would say to him now, Taylor replied with, "I know you're damn proud of me."
