Friends and Officials React

"It's true what people are saying: Not a lot of people did know Sean. I recruited him. I signed him. But he wasn't one to get real close to his coaches. I think he was a shy person, quiet. He did not speak with the media much. I think when he did, he tended to be a little bit honest. When you're a little bit honest, the media like it, but sometimes it comes back as negative. I think that's what happened to Sean. He was a great, great football player. He's one of the best I've ever been around. But I also think of him as a shy, private person."

- Larry Coker , who coached Taylor at the University of Miami

"I think the experience we went through [with the death of Darrent Williams in January], and what worked, what seemed to be the best way to do it and those kinds of things. When you're caught in that kind of a situation, and in the case of the Redskins, it obviously has never happened before. . . . It's actually something you never want to see happen, but at least you can be there to help them and tell them what our experience was."

- Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen

"My thoughts and prayers are with Sean's family, his teammates, the Redskins organization and the fans. He was a very talented player and a really good person. He always had a smile on his face the couple of occasions I saw him. This is a terrible tragedy, and I am really saddened at this loss."

- Wizards forward Caron Butler

"While I did not know Sean personally, I felt a connection because we represent the same community. I was a big fan of his and thought he was a tremendous football player. This is something that is very hard to swallow. This is going to be difficult to move on from, so we are going to have to continue to pray for him and his family."

- Wizards forward Antawn Jamison

"He was a private guy, but he was a great guy, man. His work ethic and everything he did on the field and his approach to the game and how he played the game, he was going to be one of the greatest to play the game, I think. It's just sad to see that happen. I just remember how he prepared for game and his mentality before a game. From Wednesday to Sunday, he took the game as serious as anyone, and he lived and breathed it. He was definitely on his way to being great."

- Former Redskins teammate T.J. Duckett

"Just to know the type of person he was, how much he loved the game. He's probably one of the best teammates I've ever had, playing from high school to college to pros. He was a great individual. . . . He was just real. . . . I know a lot of people loved Sean. It's going to be a tough thing [playing the Redskins] Sunday. It's going to be an emotional game. But my prayers and my thoughts go out to his family."

- Former teammate Derrick Dockery, now with the Bills

"His heroic action on that tragic night saved their life and is a testament to his humanity and courage. His spirit will live forever, in our hearts and through the legacy of his achievements and the family he leaves behind. . . . We will always remember him as a caring and loving individual, especially to his new family, his precious daughter Jackie and to the love of his life and mother to his child, my niece Jacqueline.''

- Actor Andy Garcia, in a statement to the Miami Herald