Professional Football Player. For eight seasons (1969 to 1976), he played at the running back position in the National Football League with the Detroit Lions and Houston Oilers. He attended Pittsburg High School in California and Diablo Valley Junior College (California) before transferring to Utah State University, where he concluded his collegiate football career. While a member of the Aggies, he set a team record when he returned a 105-yard kickoff for a touchdown in a game against West Texas State (now West Texas A&M) in 1967. Taylor was chosen by Detroit during the 2nd round of the 1969 NFL Draft and appeared in 102 career regular season games, rushing for 4,308 yards with 24 touchdowns, and recorded 175 receptions for 1,538 yards with 6 touchdowns. While with the Lions, he was a part of their explosive 1970s ground attack which also included Steve Owens, Mel Farr, and later Horace King and Dexter Bussey. He was named the Lions' offensive MVP in 1973, when he rushed for 719 yards, also returning 12 kickoffs for 295 yards. At the time of his death, he remained among the Lions' career leaders in rushing yardage.
Professional Football Player. For eight seasons (1969 to 1976), he played at the running back position in the National Football League with the Detroit Lions and Houston Oilers. He attended Pittsburg High School in California and Diablo Valley Junior College (California) before transferring to Utah State University, where he concluded his collegiate football career. While a member of the Aggies, he set a team record when he returned a 105-yard kickoff for a touchdown in a game against West Texas State (now West Texas A&M) in 1967. Taylor was chosen by Detroit during the 2nd round of the 1969 NFL Draft and appeared in 102 career regular season games, rushing for 4,308 yards with 24 touchdowns, and recorded 175 receptions for 1,538 yards with 6 touchdowns. While with the Lions, he was a part of their explosive 1970s ground attack which also included Steve Owens, Mel Farr, and later Horace King and Dexter Bussey. He was named the Lions' offensive MVP in 1973, when he rushed for 719 yards, also returning 12 kickoffs for 295 yards. At the time of his death, he remained among the Lions' career leaders in rushing yardage.
Bio by: C.S.
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