Total Pro Sports
Denver Broncos legend Lionel Taylor, a Ring of Fame member who led the AFL in receptions five times, has passed away at the age of 86.
According to Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette, Lionel Taylor passed away on Aug. 6 at his home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The former AFL All-Star would have celebrated his 90th birthday on Friday.
Taylor’s 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.
Grandson Lionel Lapham said Lionel Taylor died Aug 6 at home in Rio Rancho NM Was put to hospital Dec 20 for 69 days with urinary infection & got better Back in hospital in July for 2 weeks & then in hospice 15 day Also heart issues To be cremated next week Public service pending
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 13, 2025
Taylor joined the NFL’s 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 league’s 10-year history.
The 6-foot-2 wideout led the AFL in receptions five times over a six-year period between 1960 and ’65, 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 Taylor’s family and friends during during this difficult time.
Taylor was hired as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receivers coach under Chuck Noll in 1970, winning Super Bowl rings in the 1974 and ’75 seasons. He was an assistant on the Los Angeles Rams from 1977 to ’81 and later spent five years as the head coach of Texas Southern.
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