Lionel Taylor, Denver Broncos Ring of Fame WR, dies at 89

Lionel Taylor, one of the Denver Broncos’ all-time leading receivers and a member of its inaugural Ring of Fame class, died last week at the age of 89, the team announced Wednesday.

Taylor played with the Broncos for seven seasons, from their debut season in the AFL in 1960 through 1966, and finished as the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions (543), receiving yards (6,872) and receiving touchdowns (44). He still ranks fourth, fourth and fifth in those categories.

Taylor was one of the first stars of Denver’s pro football franchise, earning four All-Pro nods and three Pro Bowl honors. In 1961, his second season with the Broncos, he became the first receiver in league history to catch 100 passes, a mark he hit in 14 games. He had 92 receptions the year prior, despite missing two games with an injury. His receiving average during that 1960 season —102.9 yards per game — still stands as a Broncos record. Taylor surpassed 1,100 yards receiving in four of his seven seasons with the team.

The accolades made Taylor an easy choice as a member of the franchise’s first Ring of Fame class in 1984, along with Austin “Goose” Gonsoulin, Rich Jackson and Floyd Little.

Taylor played in only one playoff game during his career — in 1967, with the Houston Oilers — but he later won two Super Bowls while coaching wide receivers for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 1980, Taylor became the NFL’s first Black offensive coordinator when he earned the position with the then-San Diego Chargers.

The Broncos are expected to honor Taylor with a tribute before their preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday.

(Photo: Ron Chenoy / Imagn Images)