In the midst of a complete franchise culture change, which has resulted in a new team name, a new coaching staff, and potentially much more, the Washington Football Team has decided to additionally pay homage to two of the organization's all-time greats.
On Tuesday, the club announced that two new street names will honor legendary coach Joe Gibbs and the late Pro Bowl safety Sean Taylor.
The official new address of the franchise headquarters and Inova Sports Performance Center will be 21300 Coach Gibbs Drive.
Washington owner Dan Snyder released a statement regarding the name change.
"As we look forward and build a modern identity that everyone can be proud of, it's imperative that we revere tremendous individuals who have had a positive influence on the franchise and our fan base. There are no two people more deserving than Sean Taylor and Joe Gibbs.
"The renaming of these streets along with all of the changes being made to our stadium are just part of our long-term goal of improving every element of the Washington Football Team, both off and on the field."
Taylor was a special talent who received two Pro Bowl nominations -- one posthumous -- during his four-year career. His life was cut short at the age of 24 in 2007 when he was shot by intruders of his home. He has already been immortalized by his induction to the Washington Ring of Fame, at which Snyder said that "his life touched so many of us in such deep and lasting ways."
Gibbs led Washington through some of its brightest days on the football field, bringing the organization to four Super Bowls and securing three rings. His all-time record sits at 154-94 in the regular season and 17-7 in the playoffs, enough to get him inducted into the Hall of Fame. His stints as the Washington head coach ran from 1981 to 1992, and then again from 2004 to 2007.
Gibbs talked about the honor involving the renamed street.
“It is an amazing honor to have the organization’s mailing address carry my name. My time with the team was marked by the strength and courage of our players and assistant coaches, both of whom deserve so much of the credit for the franchise winning three Super Bowl titles. Each of those winning seasons started with the preparation and dedication of practices and workouts at our training facility in the off-season. I had total support from Dan during my four years and I want to thank Dan and Tanya for their friendship to Pat and me. The organization has made several positive steps recently to include the additions of Jason Wright as president and Julie Donaldson as senior vice president of media and content that will strengthen the team and support of Coach Rivera. Ron has already gained the respect from the players and all of us Washington fans."
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM Sports
Twitter | Facebook I Instagram