When Gabriel Taylor takes the field for the DC Defenders' 2026 home opener on April 11, he will be wearing the No. 21 jersey.
In the past, such a moment would have been emotional for Taylor. It matches the number worn by his late brother, Sean Taylor, across his four seasons with Washington before he was killed in a 2007 home invasion at the age of 24.
But now, the younger Taylor – who was 6 years old when his brother died – is taking a different approach to honoring his brother's legacy.
"I think having a new mindset, mentality over the number is just not overthinking it," Taylor told USA TODAY Sports in a recent phone interview. "Because if I overthink it, then that brings pressure."
What does that pressure look like? Taylor explained the No. 21 jersey "sets a tone" of what many want and expect from him, especially with his last name atop it.
"The fans really want me to succeed and just thrive in the number and just make my own name," Taylor said.
But at the same time, the 24-year-old believes achieving those goals will rely on him staying in the moment amid his chance to prove himself in the UFL.
"Having this new mentality of letting it just be a number, a regular number, so I can focus more on my job and not overthink the situation," Taylor said. "I wouldn't say it's emotional now. It's more so just don't let it affect your play. Make sure you don't overthink and just be, at the end of the day."
OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)
CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs)
RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions)
WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears)
1 / 42026 NFL offseason tracker: Player signings, tradesOT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)
OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)
CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs)
RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions)
WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears)
Taylor, like many UFL players, is hoping to use the spring football league as a springboard into the NFL.
Taylor's only NFL opportunity to date came at the Washington Commanders' rookie minicamp after he went undrafted in 2025. He said attending it was a "cool experience" but lamented his inability to earn a roster spot, despite coaches telling him it would be a "no-brainer" to sign him after his camp performance.
"To be honest, I didn't feel like that was a real shot," Taylor said.