Broncos Ring of Fame WR Lionel Taylor dies at 89

Published: Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 4:17 am

Broncos Legend Lionel Taylor Passes Away at 89

Denver Broncos fans and the wider football community are mourning the loss of Lionel Taylor, a pioneering figure in the sport. Taylor, a member of the Broncos' Ring of Fame, passed away on August 6th at the age of 89, the team announced this week.

Taylor's impact on professional football is undeniable. He was the first professional receiver to achieve the milestone of 100 receptions in a single season, a feat he accomplished in 1961. His dominance in the early days of the American Football League (AFL) was remarkable. During his seven seasons with the Broncos, Taylor led the AFL in receptions five times. He earned first-team All-Pro honors four times and was selected for the Pro Bowl three times.

Taylor's career began with a brief stint with the Chicago Bears in 1959 before he joined the Broncos in 1960. He quickly became a key player for the team. His performance in 1960, with 92 catches for 1,235 yards and 12 touchdowns, set the stage for his record-breaking 1961 season. Taylor concluded his playing career with the Houston Oilers.

Beyond his playing career, Taylor broke barriers as the first Black man to hold a coordinator position in the NFL. He served as the Los Angeles Rams' offensive coordinator in 1980 and 1981. Before that, he was the Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receivers coach during their Super Bowl championship runs in the 1970s. Taylor's contributions to the game were recognized in 1984 when he was inducted into the Broncos' Ring of Fame as part of its inaugural class.

BNN's Perspective: Lionel Taylor's legacy extends far beyond his impressive statistics. He was a trailblazer who not only excelled on the field but also paved the way for greater diversity in coaching roles. His contributions to the game, both as a player and a coach, are a testament to his talent and determination. His passing is a loss for the entire football community.

Keywords: Lionel Taylor, Denver Broncos, Ring of Fame, NFL, AFL, wide receiver, receptions, touchdowns, Pro Bowl, coach, offensive coordinator, Houston Oilers, Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl, Black, pioneer, football

Full Story