Saturday was a tough day for longtime fans of the Washington Commanders as Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Charley Taylor died at age 80.
A 13-year NFL veteran — all with Washington — Taylor was arguably the NFL’s top wide receiver during his playing days (1964-75, 1977), retiring as the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions (649). While Taylor’s record has since been surpassed many times over, his numbers were incredible considering the era in which he played. NFL offenses didn’t employ the “run and shoot” and “Air Raid” in Taylor’s era.
After his outstanding career ended, Taylor went into coaching, joining Joe Gibbs’ first coaching staff in Washington. Taylor would remain on Washington’s coaching staff throughout Gibbs’ 12 seasons as head coach and Richie Petitbon’s lone season as head coach in 1993.
Taylor remained a part of the Washington community after leaving the organization officially after the 1993 season.
Charley Taylor wasn’t just one of the greatest Washington players ever; he was an NFL legend and also, more importantly, a terrific human being.
After his death Saturday, the Commanders, the Pro Football Hall of Fame and others remembered Taylor.
We lost a legend
RIP Charley Taylor
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) February 19, 2022
I keep a photo of Charley Taylor at RFK in my office to remind me that a player, especially in this franchise, can transcend the field and become an icon in the community. His achievements on the field and his character off it set a standard of excellence for us to pursue. RIP. https://t.co/R5eHK906F3
— Jason Wright (@whoisjwright) February 20, 2022
Pro Football Hall of Famer Charley Taylor passed away Saturday at the age of 80, according to the @Commanders, the franchise where he had spent the entirety of his 14-year playing career (1964-1977) in the National Football League.#HOFForever pic.twitter.com/fxpfbjcRx5
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) February 20, 2022
RIP Charley Taylor. Was a member of each of the five #Redskins teams that made a Super Bowl as either a player or a coach. Is the franchise’s all-time leader in regular-season touchdowns at 90. A true legend. pic.twitter.com/1gQ5ekdyis
— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) February 19, 2022
Statement from the @ProFootballHOF on Charley Taylor: pic.twitter.com/bVLIZl27L8
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) February 20, 2022
My condolences to Charley Taylor’s family. An all around receiver. Much respect.
— Harold Carmichael (@lookitin) February 20, 2022
RIP #42. His most memorable catch. https://t.co/DEMH1U65oJ via @YouTube
— Kevin Sheehan (@kevinsheehanDC) February 20, 2022