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126. Lionel Taylor

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126. Lionel Taylor

As an NFL rookie in 1959 for the Chicago Bears, Lionel Taylor saw limited action, but his bench-warming days were behind him as he would sign with the Denver Broncos of the American Football League.

Taylor would lead the AFL in Receptions in each of the league’s first four seasons and again in 1965.  He would make history by becoming the first player to have a 100 Reception Season (1961), and while he never led the AFL in Receiving Yards, he was in the top three on five occasions.  What hurts Taylor is that his Yards per Reception and Touchdown production was not strong, but he was, without a doubt, the first real offensive weapon of the Broncos.  We think that means something!

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Wednesday, 01 January 1964
  • Position: Split End
  • Games Played: 121
  • Notable Statistics: 567 Receptions
    7,195 Receiving Yards
    45 Receiving Touchdowns
    4 Rushing Attempts
    20 Rushing Yards
    0 Pass Completions
    6 Pass Attempts
    2 Interceptions
    66 Approximate Value

    1 Playoff Game
    1 Reception
    6 Receiving Yards
  • Played For: Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Houston Oilers
  • College: Arkansas Tech
  • Drafted: Undrafted in 1959
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    First Team All-Pro (4) (1960, 1961, 1962 & 1965)
    AFL All-Star (3) (1961, 1962 & 1965)
    Most Receptions (5) (1960, 1961, 1962, 1963 & 1965)

  • Other Points of Note:

    Top Ten Finishes: Receptions (6) (1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964 & 1965)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards (6) (1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964 & 1965)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Touchdowns (4) (1960, 1963, 1964 & 1965)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards per Game (5) (1960, 1961, 1962, 1963 & 1964)
    Top Ten Finishes: Touchdowns (2) (1960 & 1963)
    Top Ten Finishes: Points Scored (2) (1960 & 1963)
    Top Ten Finishes: Yards from Scrimmage (5) (1960, 1961, 1962, 1963 & 1965)
    Top Ten Finishes: All-Purpose Yards (3) (1960, 1961 & 1965)

  • Notable All Time Rankings: 85. Receiving Yards per Game: 59.5

Should Lionel Taylor be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 88.2%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 11.8%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%
Last modified on Friday, 24 March 2023 18:56

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