Jeff Legwold
Lionel Taylor, an authentic Denver Bronco and a member of their Ring of Fame, has died, in line with the group.
Taylor, who was 89, died Aug. 6, his household confirmed to the Broncos.
He was a member of the 1960 Broncos — the primary 12 months the franchise performed within the then-newly fashioned AFL — and was the primary receiver in both AFL or NFL historical past to have not less than 100 receptions in a season. He is also believed to have been the primary African American coach to be named a coordinator within the NFL.
We're saddened to be taught of the passing of #BroncosROF extensive receiver Lionel Taylor.
An authentic Bronco and one of the vital dominant gamers of his period, Taylor had an incredible impression on the franchise throughout his seven seasons in Denver (1960-66).
Our hearts exit to Taylor's… pic.twitter.com/bjGKOtesgP
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 13, 2025
Taylor was the Los Angeles Rams' offensive coordinator within the 1980 and 1981 seasons.
Taylor, who was not chosen within the 1958 NFL draft after his taking part in profession at New Mexico Highlands College, performed semi-pro soccer earlier than he entered the NFL in 1959 as a linebacker for the Chicago Bears.
He was signed by the Broncos in 1960 and on offense he led the AFL in receiving in 5 of the league's first six seasons. His 100 receptions in 14 video games in 1961 was the primary such season in professional soccer historical past and was a group report that stood till Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey every had not less than 100 receptions in 2000.
Taylor's 102.9 receiving yards per sport (he completed with 1,235 yards on 92 catches in 12 video games) in 1960 continues to be a group report.
Taylor retired as a participant after the 1968 season, his second with the Houston Oilers. In his seven seasons with the Broncos, he had not less than 77 receptions six instances and topped 80 receptions thrice. He was one among 4 inductees in 1984 who had been the unique members of the group's Ring of Fame.
He's nonetheless ranked fourth in Broncos franchise historical past in receptions (543) and receiving yards (6,872) and tied for fifth in landing receptions (44).
In an extended profession as a coach, Taylor earned two Tremendous Bowl rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers as their receivers coach with two eventual Corridor of Famers — Lynn Swann and John Stallworth — at extensive receiver. Taylor usually joked, “It did not take a lot teaching there.”
However Corridor of Fame coach Tony Dungy, a former Steelers participant, has usually cited Taylor as an essential affect for African American coaches within the years that adopted.
Taylor additionally coached with the Cleveland Browns within the NFL; Oregon State and Texas Southern (head coach) within the school ranks; and was head coach for the London Monarchs within the World League of American Soccer.
