Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIFebruary 20, 2022
AP Photo

The Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver, who made eight Pro Bowls during his 14-year career, died at the age of 80.

The news was announced by the Washington Commanders.

Taylor played for Washington from 1964 to 1977 and amassed 10,598 yards from scrimmage and 90 touchdown runs. He was the 1964 rookies of the year after posting 1,569 yards and 10 scores.

Taylor played running back and wide receiver for the first three years of his career before moving to the latter position for the rest of his career.

In 1966 he played a monster game against the New York Giants. He was a big part of Washington's offense in 1966, catching six passes for 124 yards and two touchdown in a 72-41 win over Big Blue. The highest scoring game in the history of the NFL was that one.

Taylor was an All-Pro in the latter year of 1967, after leading the league in catches in the first year. He was named to the Hall of Fame's All-1960s team.

Washington selected the former Arizona State star third in the 1964 NFL draft and he enjoyed more success in the 1970s.

Washington went to the playoffs each year from 1971-1974 thanks to Taylor. Washington went to its first-ever Super Bowl in 1972 after Taylor caught seven passes for 146 yards and two touchdown in a 26-3 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Washington lost to the Miami Dolphins in the Super Bowl.

Taylor made four straight Pro Bowls from 1972-1975 before a knee injury ended his career. He came back for the 1977 campaign. He held the all-time reception record in the NFL.

Taylor never won a Super Bowl as a player, but he did win three as Washington's wide receiver coach.

Art Monk, Gary Clark, Charlie Brown, and Super Bowl XXII star Ricky Sanders were all part of the group of players that won the 1991 Washington team the Lombardi Trophies.