When the Washington Redskins signed safety Landon Collins to massive six-year deal, speculation grew over if he would be allowed to wear the No. 21 jersey. The same jersey that has been immortalized with the late great Sean Taylor.
Collins idolized Taylor much like many current NFL safeties. He wore the No. 21 in his first four seasons with the New York Giants. Tension grew as Redskins owner Dan Snyder gifted Collins one of two autographed Taylor No. 21 jerseys after his signing.
The speculation grew into debate with fans wanting no parts of seeing another player dawn the No. 21 jersey even if that player was such a huge fan of Taylor’s like Collins.
Collins ultimately decided on the No. 20 for the 2019 season. However, the debate isn’t put to bed just yet, as the Alabama product wants to ultimately prove he’s worthy of wearing the No. 21 jersey
“I would love to wear the jersey,” Collins told Redskins.com. “But I’m going to take it as I’m going to prove myself and try to get the jersey next year.”
Some like former Redskins running back and teammate of Taylor, Clinton Portis, wants the jersey retired to end all debates. Portis cited there would never be another Sean Taylor. However, the Redskins do not practice retiring jerseys.
“I know myself, I know my game, I know how I’m going to play, so I’m not really worried about the season, it’s more people understanding that they see the same passionate player that ST was,” Collins said. “Like anybody else, I wouldn’t want nobody else to where a number that doesn’t go out and play hard, have the leadership, have the passion, have the drive, have the hunger that he had each and every Sunday.”
