Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Lionel Taylor has died at the age of 89. Taylor starred for the Broncos beginning with their inaugural season in the American Football League in 1960.

After two years, the Kansas City, Mo., native rejoined the league as a wide receivers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams for a decade. Then, in 1980, Taylor made history when the Rams promoted him to become the team’s offensive coordinator.

HOUSTON - Lionel Taylor, the former head football coach of Texas Southern and a pioneer in the NFL, has passed away at the age of 89. He died on August 6, 2025, at his home near Albuquerque, New Mexico, after experiencing a period of declining health.