Otis Taylor

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Taylor was born on August 11, 1942, in Houston to Lillian Lee and Otis Taylor Sr. He was raised by his mother and older sister, Florence (Odell). He attended Evan E. Worthing High School, where he was the football team's quarterback, played basketball, and ran track. He was an All-State quarterback in football. Taylor attended Prairie View A&M University on a basketball scholarship, but became a star receiver on its football team. He was originally the team's quarterback until his sophomore year, when he was replaced by Jim Kearney. In 1963, the football team won the SWAC, and was runner up in the 1963 NAIA championship game. Taylor had 42 touchdown catches in four years, and as a senior he was named an NAIA first-team All-American. The Pittsburgh Courier selected him to its second-team All American squad. He was inducted into Prairie View's Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. In 1972, the school retired his number 17. In 2016, he was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame. Taylor was selected in the fourth round of the 1965 AFL draft (Chiefs) and the 15th round of the NFL draft, by the Philadelphia Eagles. After a famous 'baby-sitting' incident, he was signed for the Chiefs by scout Lloyd Wells. He led the AFL in yards per reception in 1966, tied for the AFL lead in receiving touchdowns in 1967, and led the NFL in receiving yards in 1971. He made the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl twice and in 1971 was named Consensus All-Pro. As of December 2025, Taylor ranks in the Chiefs' all-time list in receptions (6th, 410), receiving yards (3rd, 7,306), receiving touchdowns (3rd, 57), and yards per game (9th, 56.2). He was also an excellent downfield blocker. Taylor combined with running back Robert Holmes for what was at the time the longest reception in Chiefs history in 1969. His most memorable highlight came in Super Bowl IV, where he caught a 46-yard touchdown. Taylor suffered a car accident in June of 1974. He was plagued by trouble with his knees by 1975. In May of 1976, he was traded to the Houston Oilers, but was cut by the team, having never played a down for the team. The Professional Football Researchers Association named Taylor to the PFRA Hall of Very Good Class of 2006. He was inducted into the Chiefs Ring of Honor in 1982. On November 1, 1970, Taylor attacked Raiders' defensive end Ben Davidson after Davidson speared quarterback Len Dawson. After his playin

In Their Own Story

The fourth quarter of Super Bowl IV on January 11, 1970, hung in the balance. The Minnesota Vikings had just scored to make it 16–7, threatening a comeback against the Kansas City Chiefs. Len Dawson dropped back and fired a quick pass to Taylor. The receiver caught the ball, escaped a tackle attempt by Earsell Mackbee, faked out Karl Kassulke, and sprinted down the sideline for a 46-yard touchdown with 82 seconds remaining in the third quarter. This score effectively closed out the game, leading to a 23–7 upset over the heavy-favorite Vikings. Years later, Taylor recalled that specific play as his most memorable highlight. He also shared a unique moment with teammate Robert Holmes in 1969 during a 79-yard pass from Mike Livingston; after catching it, Taylor lateraled the ball to Holmes for a 14-yard touchdown run, creating what was then the longest reception in Chiefs history.

Reader's Guide

Otis Taylor was a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1965 to 1975. He was a key player in the Chiefs' Super Bowl IV victory. He led the AFL in yards per reception in 1966 and the NFL in receiving yards in 1971. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and Consensus All-Pro in 1971. He ranks among the Chiefs' all-time leaders in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. After playing, he scouted for the Chiefs for 11 years.

Did You Know?

• Taylor was selected by the Chiefs in the fourth round of the 1965 AFL draft, and by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 15th round of the 1965 NFL draft.
• During the 1987 NFL Player's strike, Taylor was assaulted by Jack Del Rio, who mistook him for a replacement player. Del Rio was a striking player for the Chiefs at the time.