Broncos Ring of Fame wide receiver Lionel Taylor, the franchise’s first star after its inception in 1960, has died at 89 years old, the team announced Wednesday. A cause of death was not disclosed.
Taylor, who finished his career in 1966 as Denver’s then-leader in catches (543), receiving yards (6,872) and touchdown receptions (44), has long been a key piece of the foundation of the city’s sports identity. He came to the Broncos from the Chicago Bears in 1960, as the franchise began play in the AFL.
In establishing himself as a four-time first-team All-Pro in seven seasons, he became associated with a wide range of firsts in longstanding sports institutions in Denver: first Bronco to be elected to the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, and part of the Broncos’ first Ring of Fame class in 1984.
In 1961, Taylor also broke ground as the first professional football player to catch 100 passes in a season. Taylor’s legacy extended past putting football on the map in Denver, too. In 1980, while coaching with the Los Angeles Rams, he became the first Black offensive coordinator in NFL history.
Taylor also served as the receivers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1970 to 1976, where he won two Super Bowls.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of #BroncosROF wide receiver Lionel Taylor,” the Broncos wrote on Twitter Wednesday. “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.”
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