Lionel Taylor, Broncos Ring of Fame member, dead at 89

Lionel Taylor, an original player for the Broncos and a member of the team’s Ring of Fame, died on Aug. 6, the team announced Wednesday night. 

He was 89.

Taylor was part of the 1960 Broncos squad, which was the first to play in the newly formed AFL. 

He was also a two-time Super Bowl-winning wide receiver coach with the Steelers in the 1970s under head coach Chuck Noll. 

Taylor was the first receiver — in the NFL or AFL — to record at least 100 receptions in a single season and ended his seven campaigns with the Broncos as their record holder in receptions (543), receiving yards (6,872) and touchdown catches (44).

The first two records stood for more than 30 years, and he remains in the franchise’s top five in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown receptions. 

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of #BroncosROF wide receiver Lionel Taylor,” the Broncos said in a post on X. “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.”

He started his football career with the Bears — originally as a linebacker — before going on to spend seven seasons in Denver and switching to the offensive side. 

Taylor retired from football after the 1968 season, following two years with the Houston Oilers. 

“This was a guy [who had] hands like vice grips,” AFL historian and author Dave Steidel said, per the Broncos’ website. “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.”

Taylor was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 1984.