Tall, powerful, and fast, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Otis Taylor helped evolve professional football by changing the way teams and fans saw the position. His strength and speed made him a formidable opponent, leading him to three Pro Bowls and being named AFC Player of the Year in 1971. Taylor’s 46-yard touchdown pass in Super Bowl IV still makes highlight reels to this day, leading the team to an upset victory over the 12-2 Minnesota Vikings.
- Died: March 9, 2023 (Who else died on March 9?)
- Details of death: Native of Houston. Died at age 80 of Parkinson’s disease.
- We invite you to share condolences for Otis Taylor in our Guest Book.
Early Career Highlights
Taylor drew attention while playing for Prairie View A&M, where he was courted by the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, and others during a time when the AFL and NFL were competing for good young players. Taylor landed with the Chiefs as a fourth round draft pick and quickly made an impression, catching five passes his rookie year in 1965. By the following year, he was dominant, leading the AFL in yards per catch and coming in second in receiving yards. The next year, he led the AFL in receiving touchdowns and led the NFL in receiving yards.
NFL Legacy
Taylor quickly became a centerpiece for the Chiefs’ success of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. His formidable size belied his speed, allowing him to outrun opponents, but also to bowl them over as needed. He caught six passes for 81 yards in Super Bowl IV, leading his team’s victory over a Vikings roster that had dominated during the regular season. Taylor is considered one of the most feared receivers of his era. Despite this, the one missing piece of his legacy has been entry into the NFL Hall of Fame. In 1990, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease dementia, which he struggled with for the rest of his days.
Tributes to Otis Taylor
Full Obituary: Kansas City Star
