Chiefs Hall of Fame wideout, Super Bowl IV star Otis Taylor dies

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Chiefs Kingdom has lost another Chiefs legend from their Super Bowl IV championship team.

Otis Taylor died at the age of 80, family sources told KCTV5.

Taylor played with the Kansas City Chiefs from 1965-1975 and still is ranked in the franchise’s top 10 for receiving yards (7,306/No. 3), receptions (410/No. 6) and touchdowns (57/No. 3).

Otis Taylor of the Kansas City Chiefs gets some comforting words from the assistant coach on... — Otis Taylor of the Kansas City Chiefs gets some comforting words from the assistant coach on the sidelines during the Super Bowl at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Calif., Jan. 15, 1967. Taylor is one of the stars of the Chiefs, but the Green Bay Packers won the game 35-10. (AP Photo(AP)

He was named first-team All-Pro twice and to the Pro Bowl three times.

The Chiefs great was a favorite target of the late quarterback Len Dawson, who died in August.

Darren Smith, the host of “The Ship” on Sports Radio 810, described Taylor as one of the most iconic athletes of his time. In an era before superstar contracts and lucrative sponsorship deals, Taylor was engaged in his community and dedicated to creating a winning culture with the Chiefs.

“He was someone who brought integrity and professionalism,” Smith said. “He was charismatic, but also a hard worker.”

Taylor was also involved in a number of local causes, including Derek Thomas’ Third and Long Foundation. Taylor was also part of the group of athletes who helped create the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

Bob Kendrick, the director of the museum, said Taylor was truly vested in Kansas City.

“He was that athlete who never lost touch with his roots,” Kendrick said. “KC meant a lot to OT. He tried to pay back the adulation that as an athlete he certainly earned. He tried to pay that back threefold.”

Taylor’s family released the statement below following his death:

One of Kansas City’s favorite sons, Kansas City Chiefs Football Club Hall of Fame member Otis Taylor, Jr., died peacefully at his home last night after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Otis is survived by his beloved wife Regina, his loving son Otis III, two granddaughters, and beloved sister Odell.
Otis was a true gift to Kansas City! He was the most dominant receiver of his time and helped bring the Chiefs their first Super Bowl victory.
He was kind, charismatic, handsome, and always giving of his time.
He was a respected executive for Blue Cross Blue Shield. He was a dedicated community servant, donating time and love to many charities, including the Derrick Thomas/Neil Smith Third and Long Foundation, which ministers to the reading needs of inner-city children.
He was a great friend to many, including Buck O’Neil, Derrick Thomas, Neil Smith, and Len Dawson.
Otis had a profound impact on Kansas City. During his career, every boy playing football wanted to wear the number 89 on their jersey. Kids on every block in Kansas City would emulate Otis’ high stepping into the end zone and spiking the ball.
Otis played football with elegance, courage, and great skill.
The Dawson to Taylor combination dominated the AFL in its glory years. He caught touchdowns while being double-teamed, held, and with one hand pinned to his chest by a defender!
His handsome smile and welcoming handshake warmed up every room he entered.
He was a most valuable teammate in football, business, family, and charity.
He leaves large footprints in our community that will last forever - footprints of love, kindness, and excitement on Sundays!
Otis Taylor most certainly made our world a better place for all who knew him!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Derrick Thomas/Neil Smith Third and Long Foundation, where Otis and Regina were founding members.
Celebration of Life details will be published soon.
Kevin E. J. Regan, Family Friend

The Kansas City Chiefs also posted the following statement:

“The Kansas City Chiefs organization is saddened by the passing of Otis Taylor. My family and I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Otis’ wife Regina, his sister Odell and the entire Taylor family as we mourn his passing. Otis was a Chief throughout his 11-year career, and he played an integral part in the early success of our franchise. He became a Kansas City icon with his signature touchdown in Super Bowl IV, as he helped the Chiefs bring home our first Lombardi Trophy. He was one of the most dynamic receivers of his era, and he helped revolutionize the position. Off-the-field, he was kind and dedicated to his community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Otis’ legacy will live forever as a member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame.”
Chiefs Chairman & CEO Clark Hunt

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