By Jacob Calvin Meyer - The Washington Times - Sunday, February 20, 2022

After Hall of Fame wide receiver Charley Taylor died Saturday, the football world flooded social media with praise for the Washington legend. 

Taylor, one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history when he retired, is beloved by Washington fans, who watched the halfback-turned-wideout blossom into an eight-time Pro Bowler, the franchise leader in touchdowns and a Hall of Famer. 

“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,” Washington team President Jason Wright tweeted. “His achievements on the field and his character off it set a standard of excellence for us to pursue. RIP.”

“As a kid who loved football, I watched the Washington teams of the 1970s compete at a high level and quickly became a fan of the player wearing No. 42. He seemed to make everything look so easy,” Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said in a statement. 

Taylor played all 13 of his NFL seasons with Washington. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 1964, posted back-to-back 70-reception seasons in 1966 and 1967, helped lead the Redskins to a Super Bowl appearance in 1972 and ended his career as the NFL’s then-all-time leader in receptions with 649. After he retired, Taylor worked for the team as a scout and then on its coaching staff from 1981 to 1993 when the Joe Gibbs-led Redskins won three Super Bowls. 

“Charley Taylor who along with Sonny Jurgensen pulling the trigger terrorized NFL defenses in the late 60’s-early 70’s,” tweeted one football fan.

“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,” posted podcaster Al Galdi.

“Charley Taylor’s passing reminds us of Washington’s rich, proud history,” one Washington fan tweeted. “So many great players, indelible memories. Sadly the team’s great legacy has been desecrated, its soul robbed over last 20+ years. A once loyal and passionate fanbase desperately wants its beloved team back.”

• Jacob Calvin Meyer can be reached at jmeyer@washingtontimes.com.

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