Otis Taylor, the longtime Kansas Metropolis Chiefs vast receiver who together with quarterback Len Dawson shaped one of many NFL’s dynamic duos, died Thursday on the age of 80 after greater than a decade of well being issues.
Taylor’s household, who had been caring for him as he handled Parkinson’s illness and dementia, confirmed that he had handed away a mere seven months after Dawson, his shut buddy and teammate.
Taylor spent all 10-plus years of his profession in Kansas Metropolis, the place he was a fourth-round pick of Prairie View A&M within the 1965 AFL draft. He went on to have two 1,000-yard seasons throughout an period during which the passing sport was nonetheless evolving, and he completed his profession with 7,306 yards and 57 landing catches.
‘Otis made my job simple,’ Dawson as soon as stated. ‘In case you received the go to Otis, you knew he’d catch it.’
Taylor is maybe greatest remembered for the 46-yard landing go within the 1970 Tremendous Bowl that clinched the Chiefs’ victory over the Vikings.
Former Kansas Metropolis Chiefs vast receiver Otis Taylor (L) died aged 80 after well being issues
He handed away a mere seven months after Len Dawson (L), his shut buddy and teammate
He was a part of two AFL championship groups, was voted to the Professional Bowl after the AFL-NFL merger in 1971 and 1972 and was inducted into the Chiefs’ ring of honor in 1982.
But for all of the plaudits throughout his taking part in days, Taylor frequently got here up wanting enshrinement within the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame. He was a senior finalist this previous 12 months however did not make it by way of to the ultimate spherical of voting.
Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt stated in an announcement Friday: ‘The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs group is saddened by the passing of Otis Taylor.
‘My household and I wish to prolong our heartfelt condolences to Otis’ spouse Regina, his sister Odell and the whole Taylor household as we mourn his passing.
‘Otis was a Chief all through his 11-year profession, and he performed an integral half within the early success of our franchise.
‘He turned a Kansas Metropolis icon along with his signature landing in Tremendous Bowl IV, as he helped the Chiefs carry residence our first Lombardi Trophy.
‘He was probably the most dynamic receivers of his period, and he helped revolutionize the place.
‘Off-the-field, he was sort and devoted to his group. Our ideas and prayers are along with his household. Otis’ legacy will dwell endlessly as a member of the Chiefs Corridor of Fame.’
Chiefs paid tribute to Taylor on Friday with chairman and CEO Clark Hunt releasing assertion
Taylor spent all 10-plus years of his profession in Kansas Metropolis, the place he was a fourth-round decide
Taylor was identified with Parkinson’s and related dementia in 1990, and in 2012, his household filed a lawsuit in opposition to the NFL claiming it was legally accountable for well being points he skilled starting with seizures in 1969.
Bedridden and largely unable to speak in recent times, the lawsuit sought monetary assist for his care, overseen for greater than a decade by his sister, Odell, a licensed vocational nurse, alongside along with his spouse Regina and son, Otis Taylor III.
After his taking part in days and earlier than his well being issues, Taylor spent 11 years as a scout for the Chiefs.
He discovered himself on the middle of one other controversy in 1987, when NFL gamers had gone on strike.
Taylor was arriving to Arrowhead Stadium for work when Jack Del Rio, who had simply been traded to the group, mistook him for a substitute participant and attacked him. Taylor pressed costs in opposition to Del Rio, now the defensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders, and the 2 settled out of court docket.
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