Lionel Taylor facts for kids

Lionel Thomas Taylor (August 15, 1935 – August 6, 2025) was an amazing American football player and coach. He was best known for playing as a wide receiver, primarily with the Denver Broncos in the American Football League (AFL). Lionel Taylor was a true star, leading the league in catches (called "receptions") for five out of the first six years the AFL existed! He was also one of the first wide receivers in professional football history to reach 500 career catches. After his playing days, he became a successful coach, even winning two Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2024, he received a special Award of Excellence from the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his important work as an assistant coach.

Lionel Taylor's Early Life and College Sports

Lionel Taylor went to New Mexico Highlands University. There, he was a star athlete in both basketball and track. He also played football and was recognized as an "all-conference" wide receiver in 1956 and 1957. This means he was considered one of the best players in his college league.

Lionel Taylor's Amazing Professional Football Career

Starting with the Chicago Bears

Taylor began his professional football journey with the Chicago Bears in 1959. He played eight games as a linebacker, which is a defensive position.

Becoming a Star Wide Receiver with the Denver Broncos

In 1960, Taylor moved to the Denver Broncos, which was part of the new American Football League (AFL). This is where he truly shined! He switched from defense to offense, becoming a wide receiver. This position involves catching passes from the quarterback.

Taylor quickly became one of the best receivers in the league. He led the AFL in catches (receptions) for five of its first six seasons (1960–1963, 1965). This was a huge achievement! He was the first professional football receiver to make 100 catches in a single season, doing it in just 14 games in 1961.

He also had four seasons where he gained over 1,000 yards from catching passes. From 1960 to 1965, he averaged 84.7 catches per year, which was the highest six-year total in professional football history at that time. His 102.9 receiving yards per game in 1960 is still a Broncos team record today.

Taylor is third in all-time catches (543) and receiving yards (6,872) for the Denver Broncos. He was named the Broncos' Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1963, 1964, and 1965. He was also chosen as an AFL All-Star three times (1961, 1962, 1965).

Broncos Ring of Fame and Other Records

Lionel Taylor was one of the very first players honored in the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 1984. This is a special award for the team's greatest players. He also holds a record for the most catches in a single game, with 13 receptions against the Oakland Raiders on November 29, 1964. He shares this record with a few other great players.

Finishing His Playing Career

Taylor finished his playing career with the Houston Oilers in 1967 and 1968. He was the third wide receiver in professional football history to reach 500 career receptions.

Lionel Taylor's Coaching Journey

After his successful playing career, Lionel Taylor became a dedicated coach for many years. He was an assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s. During this time, the Steelers won two Super Bowl championships (Super Bowl IX and Super Bowl X)! He also coached for the Los Angeles Rams, Oregon State, Texas Southern (where he was a head coach), and the Cleveland Browns. Later, he coached in the World League of American Football (WLAF) for the London Monarchs and England Monarchs.

In 2022, the Professional Football Researchers Association recognized Taylor by naming him to their "Hall of Very Good" Class. In 2024, the Pro Football Hall of Fame gave him an Award of Excellence for his important contributions as an assistant coach.

Later Life and Passing

Lionel Taylor passed away on August 6, 2025, at the age of 89. He had been hospitalized for a period before his passing.

See also

• List of American Football League players