Denver Broncos Icon Lionel Taylor dies at 89

The Denver Broncos are mourning the loss of one of their original stars, Lionel Taylor, who passed away on August 6 at the age of 89. His family confirmed his death, though the cause was not disclosed.

Taylor was part of the Broncos’ inaugural squad in 1960 when the team joined the newly formed American Football League. That very season, he made history as the first receiver in either the AFL or NFL to record at least 100 catches in a year, setting the tone for a career defined by consistency and excellence.

Over seven seasons in Denver, Taylor became the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions (543), receiving yards (6,872), and touchdown catches (44), marks that stood as a testament to his dominance. He led the AFL in receiving in five of its first six years, earning his place in the Broncos’ Ring of Fame in 1984.

After finishing his playing days with the Houston Oilers, Taylor broke barriers on the sidelines. He became the first Black coach in NFL history to serve as a coordinator, leading the Los Angeles Rams’ offense in 1980-81. Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy has credited Taylor as a trailblazer for future generations of Black coaches, saying, “It would not have happened without Lionel Taylor.”

Taylor also enjoyed success with the Pittsburgh Steelers as receivers coach, winning two Super Bowls while mentoring Hall of Famers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth.

Born on August 15, 1935, in Kansas City, Taylor starred in football and basketball at New Mexico Highlands University. Undrafted in 1958, he initially played semi-pro football before earning a shot with the Chicago Bears in 1959, leading to his move to Denver a year later.

The Broncos remembered him not just as a record-setter, but as a pioneer whose influence stretched far beyond the field.