Taylor's murder had big effect on Gibbs

By David Elfin The Washington Times - July 28, 2009, 03:44PM

It’s no accident that Joe Gibbs’ new book, “Game Plan for Life” begins with the story of star safety Sean Taylor’s murder in November 2007.

That tragedy was pivotal in propelling the Hall of Fame coach, who led the Washington Redskins to their three Super Bowl victories, out of the NFL for good less than two months later.

SEE RELATED:

“Sean’s loss had a definite effect on me,” the 68-year-old fit and tanned Gibbs said prior to Tuesday’s author signing at Books-A-Million on Dupont Circle. “It was an emotional thing. It affected all of us at Redskin Park. I saw a lot of people saying, ‘Oh my gosh. How long do I have? Where am I going to spend eternity?’ “

- David Elfin

About the Author

David Elfin

David Elfin has been following Washington-area sports teams since the late 1960s. David began his journalism career at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, the University of Pennsylvania (B.A., history) and Syracuse University (M.S., telecommunications). He wrote for the Bulletin (Philadelphia), the Post-Standard (Syracuse) and The Washington Post before coming to The Washington Times in 1986. He has covered colleges, the Orioles ...