Selected in the second round (34th overall) of the 1969 NFL Draft out of Utah State, Altie Taylor entered the professional ranks known for his bruising style, sure hands, and versatility out of the backfield. Settling into Motown during a transition era for the franchise, the 5-foot-10, 200-pound ball-carrier quickly proved to be a durable, hard-nosed cornerstone for Detroit's offense.

After flashing potential as a rotational rookie, Taylor seized control of the backfield during the 1970 season, starting all 14 games and posting 927 yards from scrimmage to help propel the Lions to a 10–4 record and a playoff berth. Operating as a true dual-threat weapon, his soft hands out of the backfield complemented his rugged interior running, allowing him to consistently move the chains on third downs.

Taylor’s apex came between 1972 and 1974, a three-year stretch in which he served as the team's undisputed primary ground weapon and led Detroit in rushing three straight seasons. His crowning individual campaign arrived in 1973, when he compiled 719 rushing yards, 252 receiving yards, and five touchdowns. Highlighted by a signature 160-yard rushing performance against the rival Green Bay Packers, Taylor's grinding consistency earned him the honor of being named the Lions' Team Offensive MVP.

By 1975, Taylor had etched his name into the franchise record books, surpassing Nick Pietrosante to temporarily become the Detroit Lions' all-time leading rusher with 4,297 yards on the ground. Across his seven-year tenure in Detroit, Taylor accumulated over 6,000 all-purpose yards (including return yards) and scored 30 total touchdowns.