AN NFL icon who has won two Super Bowls has died at the age of 89.
Tributes have been sent regarding the passing on social media.
An NFL team announced the death of a former player on Wednesday[/caption]
Former NFL star and coach Lionel Taylor has died at the age of 89[/caption]
On Wednesday night, an NFL team shared unfortunate news about a former player.
The Denver Broncos announced the death of a player who’s considered an original Bronco.
The team announced the passing of the legendary wide receiver Lionel Taylor.
The Broncos revealed that he passed away on Wednesday, August 6.
Taylor won two Super Bowls as a coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974 and 1975.
But Taylor is more known as a player with the Broncos.
He started his NFL career with the Chicago Bears in 1959 before joining the Broncos in 1960, the first year the franchise played in the newly formed AFL.
Taylor played seven seasons in Denver.
And he was the first player in either the AFL or the NFL’s history to post 100 catches in a season.
Taylor, who was named a three-time AFL All-Star, is a member of the Broncos’ Ring of Fame and has a bust outside the team’s stadium in Denver.
In his long career as a coach, Taylor earned two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers as a wide receivers coach.
He is also believed to have been the first African American coach to be a coordinator in the NFL, as he was the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator in the 1980 and 1981 seasons.
Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy has credited Taylor as a pioneer for African Americans who sought to enter the coaching world.
“We all need role models in life, and fortunately, there was a Lionel Taylor there that I could look at and say, “Yeah this is possible.
Taylor played seven seasons with the Denver Broncos from 1960 to 1966, earning three AFL All-Star nods during that span[/caption]
“I came in the league with Herm Edwards and Ray Rhodes, and we all became head coaches.
“It would not have happened without Lionel Taylor.”
Social media users gave tributes to the passing of Taylor.
“Rest in paradise Lionel,” one wrote.
Taylor, far left, was part of two Super Bowl-winning squads with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974 and 1975[/caption]
“A total pioneer in the early league!” another commented.
“My Condolences To His Family and Friends and Teammates,” a third said.
