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

Lionel Taylor, an unique participant for the Broncos and a member of the group’s Ring of Fame, died on Aug. 6, the group introduced Wednesday evening. 

He was 89.

Taylor was a part of the 1960 Broncos squad, which was the primary to play within the newly fashioned AFL. 

He was additionally a two-time Tremendous Bowl-winning huge receiver coach with the Steelers within the Nineteen Seventies underneath head coach Chuck Noll. 

Taylor was the primary receiver — within the NFL or AFL — to document a minimum of 100 receptions in a single season and ended his seven campaigns with the Broncos as their document holder in receptions (543), receiving yards (6,872) and landing catches (44).

The primary two information stood for greater than 30 years, and he stays within the franchise’s prime 5 in receptions, receiving yards and landing receptions. 

“We’re saddened to study of the passing of #BroncosROF huge receiver Lionel Taylor,” the Broncos mentioned in a submit on X. “An unique Bronco and one of the crucial dominant gamers of his period, Taylor had an incredible affect on the franchise throughout his seven seasons in Denver (1960-66). Our hearts exit to Taylor’s household and associates.”

He began his soccer profession with the Bears — initially as a linebacker — earlier than happening to spend seven seasons in Denver and switching to the offensive facet. 

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

“This was a man [who had] fingers like vice grips,” AFL historian and writer Dave Steidel mentioned, per the Broncos’ web site. “If a cross was close to him, he was getting it. He caught double-digit passes [per game]. No one was catching 10, 11, 12 in a recreation again then in both league.”

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