Broncos great dies at age 89
"We are saddened to learn of the passing of #BroncosROF wide receiver Lionel Taylor," the team wrote on social media. "An original Bronco and one of the most dominant players of his era, Taylor had a tremendous impact on the franchise during his seven seasons in Denver (1960-66). Our hearts go out to Taylor's family and friends."
Taylor joined the Broncos' inaugural team in 1960 after spending one season as a linebacker with the Chicago Bears in 1959. He then switched positions and became a legendary AFL wide receiver.
Taylor, a five-time All-AFL selection and three-time AFL All-Star, led the upstart league in receiving in five of the AFL's first six seasons. Despite playing in a run-heavy era, he became the first pro to total 100 receptions in a single season (1961). He also topped 1,000 receiving yards in four of his first six years with the Broncos.
Taylor's 6,872 receiving yards with Denver rank fourth in franchise history and his 44 touchdown catches rank fifth. He was added to the team's Ring of Fame with the first round of inductees in 1984.
After leaving the Broncos in 1967, Taylor spent the final three years of his career with the Houston Oilers and then transitioned to coaching. He won two Super Bowls as a wide receivers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers and later served as a head coach at the college level and in NFL Europe.
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