Last week, Washington Redskins Free Safety Sean Taylor was shot and killed at his home outside of DC. He was shot in the leg, but bled to death because the bullet went through an artery. Taylor's teammates played through the grief on Sunday.

Cornerback Shawn Springs said he choked up as he dressed for the game next to Taylor's unmanned locker. Cornerback Fred Smoot said he cried the first few times Buffalo had the ball. The Redskins' pep band began the day with a sad, swing-low song called "Going Home."

Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss - who played for the University of Miami, same as his close friend Taylor - held up his hands in a new three-fingered salute to his late teammate's jersey number, using his index and middle fingers to form a "2" and his little finger to form the "1" after each of his five catches, often looking toward the sky.

When the Washington defense ran out for the first time, there was another reminder of Taylor that was more touching than all the rest. Only 10 Redskins took the field for the Bills' first play, leaving Taylor's free safety position vacant as a solemn show of respect.

Even well paid professional athletes are not immune from the problem of gun violence. How can lawmakers in Harrisburg fail to act when there is so clearly an emergency? These type of events only reinforce the message that already resonates with a majority of Pennsylvanians.

I wonder if any of Taylor's teammates will speak out. There is a long history of sports and political activism. It would be great if some sports stars used their fame to comment publicly on important issues-- particularly one that hits so close to home.