The Unyielding Legacy: 5 Things Sean Taylor’s Father, Pedro Taylor, Is Doing Now To Honor His Son

The story of Pedro "Pete" Taylor, the father of NFL legend Sean Taylor, is one of immense tragedy and powerful resilience. More than 18 years after the senseless loss of his son, a star safety for the Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins), Pedro Taylor has dedicated his life to preserving Sean's memory and ensuring his legacy transcends the gridiron. As of December 2025, Pedro Taylor’s public life centers on his commitment to family, community service, and sharing the unfiltered truth about his son, a mission he carries out from his home base in South Florida. A former law enforcement officer, Pedro Taylor’s dedication to his community is as profound as his dedication to his son's memory. His current work, often alongside his family, ensures that the name Sean Taylor remains synonymous with fierce talent, dedication, and the devastating impact of gun violence. This article explores the most up-to-date information on Pedro Taylor’s life, his notable career, and the powerful ways he keeps the memory of his son alive.

Pedro "Pete" Taylor: A Life of Service and Fatherhood

The foundation of Pedro Taylor's public identity is a blend of dedicated public service and the role of a devoted father. His professional career spanned decades in Florida law enforcement, culminating in a significant leadership role.

• Full Name: Pedro W. Taylor, Jr. (also known as Pedro "Pete" Taylor)
• Relation to Sean Taylor: Father
• Sean Taylor's Mother: Donna Junor
• Sean Taylor's Daughter: Jackie Taylor (born 2006)
• Professional Role: Former Chief of Police for the Florida City Police Department.
• Career Highlight: Served as the head of law enforcement in Florida City, Florida, the same city where Sean Taylor was born.
• Current Status: Believed to be retired from his role as Police Chief, focusing on his family and Sean Taylor's foundation/legacy.
• Notable Public Activity: Co-author of the book "Going Full Speed, The Sean Taylor Stories."

Pedro Taylor’s background as a police chief provided him with a unique perspective on the tragedy that claimed his son’s life in 2007, when Sean Taylor was shot by burglars during a home invasion in Miami-Dade County. His measured, yet powerful, statements throughout the legal proceedings, including the sentencing of the killer Mychal Bell, reflected both his professional composure and his profound personal pain.

The Enduring Battle to Preserve Sean Taylor's Legacy

Following Sean Taylor’s untimely death, Pedro Taylor stepped into the difficult and necessary role of chief custodian of his son's memory. This task involves more than just attending tributes; it is an active effort to control the narrative and ensure the full scope of Sean’s life—the good and the complicated—is understood. The family’s efforts have been multi-faceted, involving the Washington Commanders organization, the University of Miami Hurricanes, and local Florida communities.

1. Co-Authoring the Definitive Sean Taylor Biography

One of Pedro Taylor’s most significant contributions to his son's legacy is the book, *Going Full Speed, The Sean Taylor Stories*. Co-authored with Steven Rosenberg, the book was released a few years after Sean's death and serves as the most intimate account of his life. The book is Pedro Taylor's personal recollection of raising his "superstar son," detailing his training methods, the challenges of Sean’s youth, his rise to stardom at the University of Miami, where he won the Jack Tatum Trophy and a BCS National Championship, and his explosive, yet brief, career as a Pro Bowl safety in the NFL. The book's intention, according to the elder Taylor, was to help people understand his son beyond the headlines, acknowledging that Sean Taylor was not a "saint" but a complex, driven young man. Pedro Taylor has continued to promote the book, appearing at various fan events and training camps to sign copies and share stories directly with fans.

2. Active Involvement in Washington Commanders Tributes

Pedro Taylor remains a central figure in the Washington Commanders’ efforts to honor the iconic No. 21. He has consistently attended ceremonies and events, often accompanied by Sean’s daughter, Jackie Taylor. A major highlight was the 2021 jersey retirement ceremony, where the Commanders officially retired Sean Taylor’s No. 21. While the organization faced some criticism for the event's initial planning, Pedro Taylor graciously accepted the honor on his late son's behalf, drawing an emotional response from the crowd. He is also a regular presence at the team's training facilities and community events, ensuring the connection between the franchise and the Taylor family remains strong.

A Lasting Community Honor: The Street Naming

A powerful and lasting testament to Pedro Taylor’s own service to the community, and an extension of his son's legacy, is the street naming honor he received in Florida City. The City of Florida City commemorated a significant moment in its history by officially naming a street in his honor: Pedro W. Taylor, Jr. Street. This street naming ceremony recognizes his decades of service as the Police Chief in the city where Sean Taylor was born. It signifies that the Taylor name is not only associated with NFL greatness but also with deep-rooted community leadership and public service in South Florida. The honor firmly establishes Pedro Taylor's own place in local history, separate from his son's fame, but intertwined with the family's dedication to the area.

The Future of the Taylor Legacy

The legacy is now being actively carried forward by the next generation. Sean Taylor’s daughter, Jackie Taylor, has grown up to honor her father’s memory, often appearing with her grandfather, Pedro Taylor, at various public events. Her presence alongside her grandfather at tributes and ceremonies is a poignant reminder of the life that was tragically cut short and the family's continued strength. The commitment of Pedro Taylor to share the life and lessons of his son remains unwavering. Through his book, his public appearances, and his own honored career as the Florida City Police Chief, Pedro Taylor has ensured that the "full speed" life of Sean Taylor is remembered not just for the tragedy of his death, but for the ferocious intensity and passion with which he lived.