Denver Broncos Legend Lionel Taylor Passes Away

The Denver Broncos announced on Wednesday the passing of their legendary wide receiver, Lionel Taylor, who died on August 6, 1989.

Taylor, known as “the original Bronco,” had a significant influence on the team during his seven seasons in Denver from 1960 to 1966. The team expressed their condolences, stating, “Our hearts are directed at Taylor’s family and friends.”

During his time with the Broncos, Taylor set impressive records, finishing as the all-time leader in receptions (543), receiving yards (6,872), and touchdown receptions (44) for the franchise. Remarkably, he held those records for over three decades and still ranks among the top five in all three categories.

He was also the first player in the history of the AFL or NFL to achieve at least 100 receptions in a single season. In his first six years, Taylor never caught fewer than 76 passes, boasting an average of 80 receptions per year. From 1960 to 1965, his 84.7 catches per season were the highest total for any six-year span in football history at that time. He ranked first in both receptions (508) and receiving yards (6,424) during that period, and eighth in touchdown receptions (43).

In 1984, Taylor became one of the inaugural inductees into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.

After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, working as a wide receiver coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers for seven seasons, where he won two Super Bowl rings and mentored Hall of Fame receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth. Additionally, Taylor served as a wide receiver coach and offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.