Lionel Taylor wasn't one to hog the spotlight, but his achievements both as a player and as a coach illustrate his love for football. Among his many records, Taylor was the first wide receiver in pro football history to complete 100 catches in a season when he played for the Denver Broncos in the 1960s. He died at his home near Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Aug. 6.
Taylor is also believed to be the first Black coordinator in NFL history, when he served as the Los Angeles Rams' offensive coordinator from 1980-1981.
Chandra Thomas Whitfield spoke about Taylor's football legacy with ESPN senior writer Jeff Legwold, who's covered the Denver Broncos for more than 20 years.
