Thanks for the memories, Taylor Heinicke.
Though undrafted and seemingly out of the NFL, living on your sister’s couch, you returned to the NFL one final time in December 2020.
Your limitations at times reminded us of why you were not drafted, yet your determination, intensity and commitment to be a loyal teammate inspired your teammates and the Commanders’ fan base.
Thank you for the 8-yard pylon diving touchdown against the Bucs in the playoff game of the 2020 season. Though you separated your AC joint in your left shoulder, it is your most-remembered play in Burgundy and Gold.
Name a better duo than Taylor Heinicke and the pylon
You can’t. #WashingtonFootball pic.twitter.com/FSkdC7pOsK
— 𝘀𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗵𝗮𝗻 🪖 (@Howell2McLaurin) September 26, 2021
Thank you for having worked and prepared, being ready when starter Ryan Fitzpatrick went down in the 2021 season opener with his season-ending hip injury.
Though you struggled at times in the Falcons and Giants games of 2021, you manufactured the courage to lead game-winning drives against both opponents.
Thank you for the four-game winning streak after Washington was 2-6 in 2021. You played well enough making clutch throws to keep the chains moving in wins over the Buccaneers, Panthers, Seahawks and Raiders.
In the 2022 offseason, when the Commanders went out and traded for Carson Wentz and publicly proclaimed they finally had their quarterback, thank you for not sulking and becoming, in your own mind, some sort of victim, feeling sorry for yourself.
You came to work each day, and when provided your opportunity when Wentz broke a finger on his passing hand, you took the lead for a team that was 2-4 and led them to win five of their next six games.
When you struggled against the Colts in Indy, you regained your composure and converted some big plays on that final drive to defeat the Colts. Then you did the same against the Giants on the road, able to focus on the present and drive the team to their tying touchdown.
After being benched and removed from the opportunity to play against the Browns, you stood your ground to your head coach and informed him the best thing to do was play rookie Sam Howell in the meaningless season finale.
When we think of Taylor Heinicke, we will remember your limitations and your struggles. Even more, we will recall how you were able several times to overcome those limitations and lead your team to victory in the final quarter.
You were not a Pro Bowl quarterback for the Commanders. You were, however, a quarterback who never backed down from the situation at hand. The tight moments of games were never too big for you.
You were, after all, brought here to be the backup quarterback. They managed to always replace you. First with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Carson Wentz and finally, Sam Howell. Yet, you battled forward, and though the Commanders did not win big, you did lead them to win more when you were behind center.
We will never question your resolve, your competitive fire, or your desire to lead and inspire the Commanders.
Thank you, Taylor Heinicke; we wish you well.
