Hall of Fame wide receiver Charley Taylor passed away at 80

Former Washington football legend Charley Taylor passed away at the age of 80 on Saturday.

Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver/running back and Washington football legend Charley Taylor has passed away at the age of 80.

Taylor spent his entire professional career in Washington, playing in the nation’s capital from 1964 to 1977. He was an eight-time Pro Bowler, an All-Pro in 1967, the 1964 AP Rookie of the Year, a member of the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team and a Pro Football Hall of Famer. At the time of his retirement, Taylor was the all-time leader in receptions (649), yards (9,110) and touchdowns (79).

Here is the message Washington Commanders owners Dan and Tanya Snyder sent out after the new of Taylor’s passing on Saturday evening.

Washington and NFL icon Charley Taylor passed away at the age of 80

After calling it a career after the 1977 campaign, Taylor worked in the Washington front office as a scout. Once Joe Gibbs was hired as the franchise’s head coach in 1981, Taylor became the team’s long-tenured wide receivers coach. He stayed in that role through the 1993 season, helping Washington win its first three Super Bowls in franchise history, leaving the organization in 1994.

Prior to being drafted by Washington, Taylor was a two-sport start for his alma mater, Arizona State University. He was a running back and a defensive back on the football team, while playing pitcher and third base for the baseball team. Taylor used his athleticism and versatility to become one of the most dynamic wide receivers the NFL had ever seen up to that point. He will be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the entire Washington community at this time.