“We all need role models in life, and fortunately, there was a Lionel Taylor there that I could look at and say, ‘Yeah, this is possible.’” Tony Dungy once said, reflecting on the impact Taylor had on his journey to becoming a Super Bowl-winning coach. “I came in the league with Herm Edwards and Ray Rhodes, and we all became head coaches. It would not have happened without Lionel Taylor.” But long before Taylor made history as one of the first Black coaches to hold a coordinator role in the NFL and guide teams to championships as a wideout coach, he had already made his mark on the field.
He cemented himself as one of the best and the original receivers for the Denver Broncos. Born on August 15, 1935, in Kansas City, Taylor grew up in Buffalo, West Virginia, where his love for football began to take shape. He honed his skills at New Mexico Highlands University, where his talent and determination shone through. In 1959, Taylor began his professional career with the Bears, initially playing on the defensive side of the ball.
But it was with the Broncos that he truly shone, switching to offense and becoming one of the league’s standout wide receivers. “I never liked to tackle anybody, which is why I switched from linebacker to defensive back for Chicago Bears, and then eventually became a receiver. But you could hit me all day long. I really didn’t mind,” he once said. And now, Denver mourns the loss of a pioneering Ring of Fame member, while Kansas City mourns the loss of a true local hero. On August 6, Lionel Taylor sadly passed away.
Back in 2024, he was hospitalized for a urinary tract infection and spent over two months there. He was 89 at the time of his death. “We are saddened to learn of the passing of #BroncosROF wide receiver Lionel Taylor,” the Broncos wrote on their social media handle. “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 was part of the Broncos’ ’60 squad, the first team to play in the newly formed AFL. The Broncos legend became the first wideout—in the NFL or AFL—to record at least 100 passes in a single season. Taylor wrapped up his seven seasons with the Broncos with the highest receptions (543), receiving yards (6,872), and touchdown catches (44).
One of the best of his era, Taylor held the first two records for over three decades in professional football. The Broncos legend led the AFL in receiving yards in the first five of the league’s six seasons. “This was a guy [who had] hands like vice grips,” words shared by AFL historian and author Dave Steidel. “If a pass was near him, he was getting it. He caught double-digit passes [per game]. Nobody was catching 10, 11, 12 in a game back then in either league.”
Following the wrap-up of his NFL career, Taylor smoothly switched his cleats for a sideline role. He served as an assistant coach of the Steelers in the 1970s and later took on the role of the Steelers’ offensive coordinator for a brief time. During his long career as a coach, he helped the Pittsburgh team lift a couple of Lombardi trophies. And now, the NFL community is mourning the loss of one of the legendary figures in professional football history.
Tributes pour in after the tragic passing of Lionel Taylor
When the Broncos broke the news that Lionel Taylor had tragically passed away at the age of 89, fans across the NFL world flooded social media with heartfelt tributes. Each comment reflected just how deeply Taylor had touched lives both on and off the field. From the old generation to the younger ones, the WR left an impact on everyone. “Always a Legend rip Taylor ,” captured the raw sentiment of many, a simple but powerful acknowledgment of a player whose impact was undeniable.
Others honored him as the foundational figure of the Broncos’ legacy, the one who helped define an era. “The original legend ” and “His legacy was built from the beginning…. He lived to see the modern era win a trophy on the 50th anniversary of Football …. Rest Well Sir LT ” highlighted both his historic contributions and the joy he experienced witnessing the game evolve long after his playing days. But it wasn’t just his on-field achievements that resonated.
His warmth and generosity left equally lasting impressions. “Nicest person I’ve met, I asked him to sign my phone. Still have it to this day RIP brotha!” and “Eternal rest grant unto him, oh Lord. Let Your perpetual light shine upon him, and may he rest in peace!” spoke to a man who valued connection and inspired respect wherever he went. Lionel Taylor’s legacy is a mix of record-breaking skill and the simple human touch that made him unforgettable. Rest In Power, Legend!
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