The NFL is experiencing a major loss just days before the 2025 NFL season. According to multiple sources, a legend who spent a decade in the NFL has tragically passed away.
“Oh My Gosh, No” NFL Legend Passes Away Days Before 2025 Season, Fans In Mourning
Apr 27, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Detailed view of a NFL Network microphone during a press conference introducing Houston Texans first round draft pick defensive end Whitney Mercilus of Illinois at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Apr 27, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Detailed view of a NFL Network microphone during a press conference introducing Houston Texans first round draft pick defensive end Whitney Mercilus of Illinois at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Lionel Taylor, the first pro football player to catch 100 passes in a single season, passed away. He was 89 years old:
Via Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette, Taylor died on August 6. He would have turned 90 on Friday, August 15.
Taylor joined the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 1959. He played linebacker in Chicago.
In 1960, he joined the Broncos in the first year of the AFL, switching to receiver.
He caught 92 passes in 12 games during the AFL’s first season, and 100 in 14 games during the 1961 campaign.
Taylor played for the Broncos through 1966. He finished his career with the Oilers, in 1967 and 1968.
He caught 567 passes for 7,195 yards and 45 touchdowns.
Denver Broncos Legends: Top-5 Wide Receivers of All Time - Sports ...
Denver Broncos Legends: Top-5 Wide Receivers of All Time – Sports …
Following retirement, Taylor worked as receivers coach with the Steelers from 1970 through 1976, winning a pair of Super Bowls. He served as receivers coach for the Rams from 1977 through 1979, adding the title of offensive coordinator in 1980 and 1981.
Taylor coached at the college level from 1982 through 1988. He coached the Browns’ tight ends in 1990.
Five years later, Taylor joined the staff of the London Monarchs of NFL Europe. He was promoted to head coach in 1998.
Taylor is a member of the Broncos’ Ring of Fame.
We extend our condolences to Taylor’s family, friends, teammates, and players.
Unknown date 1975; Pittsburgh, PA; USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Chuck Noll and assistant coach Lionel Taylor (right) on the siideline during the 1975 season at Three Rivers Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Unknown date 1975; Pittsburgh, PA; USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Chuck Noll and assistant coach Lionel Taylor (right) on the siideline during the 1975 season at Three Rivers Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Fans immediately reacted to the news:
Really sad to hear this. As a UK fan I met him when he was the HC of the World League London Monarchs during team training at Crystal Palace. He showed me his Ring of Fame ring. Really lovely guy. RIP.
— Adrian West (@adrianmwest) August 13, 2025
This is sad news. Taylor would have turned 90-years-old on Friday. RIP
— Mile High Moments (@MileHighMoments) August 13, 2025
Lionel Taylor was the first player in pro football history with 100 catches in a season.
Taylor, who was a member of the Broncos’ original Ring of Fame class, also later had a trailblazing career as a coach.
Could certainly argue he belongs in Canton. https://t.co/Crk1wZCLbE
— Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla) August 13, 2025
One of the greatest Broncos ever, sad to hear this https://t.co/2CzWIWksOX pic.twitter.com/gROcERnMWm
— RG 📷 (@RyanGreeneDNVR) August 13, 2025
Sep 9, 2018; Denver, CO, USA; Detailed view of Denver Broncos quarterback Chad Kelly (6) helmet and cap during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2018; Denver, CO, USA; Detailed view of Denver Broncos quarterback Chad Kelly (6) helmet and cap during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
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