Otis Taylor, Rest in Peace
Otis Taylor, one of the AFL-NFL's all-time great receivers, passed away this morning. I have extremely fond memories of the Chiefs' late Hank Stram calling for "the bomb" (an extremely long, arcing pass) that the late Len Dawson would throw to Otis with him racing down the north sideline at old Municipal Stadium.
But, Taylor is most known for his touchdown catch in Super Bowl IV, where he broke two tackles and -- where else? -- raced down the sideline for the Chiefs final score (clip above). They beat heavily favored Minnesota, 23-7. And, really, the game wasn't even that close. The Chiefs utterly dominated. It was the last game played by the old AFL. The AFL-NFL merger became effective when the gun sounded to end the game.
Taylor is #1 in per-game reception yards among Chiefs receivers and he is still #5 all-time in total yards among Chiefs' receivers. There is more on his career, here.
Otis had suffered from dementia for many years so his passing is mixed with relief and sadness. May he rest in peace and may his family be comforted by his amazing legacy.
Addition: Saturday, 3-11, the coach Otis played against in Super Bowl IV passed away today. Rest in peace, Bud Grant.
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