Taylor's final game was against the Eagles

The entire NFL community was saddened to learn of the passing of Washington Redskins free safety Sean Taylor on Tuesday morning, and head coach Andy Reid offered the organization's condolences to all those directly affected.

Taylor died at Jackson Memorial Hospital overnight after being shot in the leg by an assailant in his Miami home early Monday morning.

"Sean's passing will have an impact on the Washington Redskins organization and the entire NFL community," Reid said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sean's family, friends and teammates, including our own Jerome McDougle, who played with Sean at the University of Miami."

Taylor, 24, was a Pro Bowl Selection last season and was known as a tenacious competitor and devastating hitter. The Redskins selected Taylor with the fifth overall pick in the 2004 draft and he made an instant impact in the secondary.

This season, he was off to the best start of his career, and would likely have made his second consecutive Pro Bowl.

His final NFL game was against Philadelphia on November 11 in Washington.

"We are saddened by the news about Sean Taylor's death. Although I did not know Sean personally we have competed against him for the last several years. He was a good football player who played the game with great energy and passion," Reid said. "I listened to the respect and remorse that Coach (Joe) Gibbs and James Thrash had and felt for Sean. These are two people I know and respect greatly."

Taylor was a private man, but behind the scenes, he was described as personable, smart and devoted to his girlfriend and 1-year old daughter.