Denver Broncos Legend & Ring Of Famer Has ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐ด๐ค๐๐ฆ
Denver Broncos helmet (Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)
Denver Broncos legend Lionel Taylor, a Ring of Fame member who led the AFL in receptions five times, has passed aw-ay at the age of 86.
According toย Chris Tomassonย of theย Denver Gazette, Lionel Taylor passed aw-ay on Aug. 6 at his home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The former AFL All-Star would have celebrated his 90th birthday on Friday.
Taylorโs grandson, Lionel Lapham, told Tomasson that Taylor was hospitalized on Dec. 20 with a urinary infection and spent 69 days receiving treatment. Taylor, who also had heart problems, returned to the hospital in July and later moved to hospice care.
A public service for Lionel Taylor is pending, Tomasson added.
Taylor joined theย NFLโs Chicago Bears after going undrafted in 1959. He appeared in eight games before joining the Broncos in the AFL, emerging as one of the best receivers in the leagueโs 10-year history.
The 6-foot-2 wideout led the AFL in receptions five times over a six-year period between 1960 and โ65, including a career-high 100 in the 1961 season. He was a three-time AFL All-Star and four-time First-team All-AFL selection.
Lionel Taylor spent the last two seasons of his career with the Houston Oilers before retiring after the 1968 season. He retired with 567 career receptions for 7,195 yards and 45 touchdowns.
Taylor is survived by his wife, Loretta, and daughters Lorencita and Bunny.. Our thoughts and prayers are with Taylorโs family and friends during during this difficult time.
Lionel Taylor Had A Successful Coaching Career After Retirement
Aug 20, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; General view of the historical monument pillars of former Denver Broncos players at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. From left: Floyd Little (44), Austin Gonsoulin (Goose Gonsoulin), Lionel Taylor (87), Gerald H. Phipps and Charley Johnson (12), Paul Smith (70), Frank Tripucka (18), Billy Thompson (36), Craig Morton (7), Haven Moses (25) and Jim Turner (15). (Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Taylor was hired as theย Pittsburgh Steelersโ wide receivers coach under Chuck Noll in 1970, winning Super Bowl rings in the 1974 and โ75 seasons. He was an assistant on theย Los Angeles Ramsย from 1977 to โ81 and later spent five years as the head coach of Texas Southern.