Charley Taylor

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Lore & Background

Taylor’s career began with a unique duality that captivated fans and coaches alike. Initially drafted as a running back, he won the UPI Rookie of the Year award after finishing sixth in the league in rushing (755 yards) and eighth in receiving (53 catches for 814 yards), a feat unmatched by any rookie in two decades. His 53 receptions set a then-record for running backs. In 1966, he transitioned permanently to wide receiver, where he led the NFL in receiving yards in both 1966 and 1967. This versatility allowed Washington to maintain offensive balance, as Taylor could dominate as a runner early in his career before becoming the league's most reliable pass catcher. His ability to adapt positions without losing elite production made him a cornerstone of the franchise’s offense for over a decade.

In Their Own Story

The turning point in Charley Taylor’s legacy arrived on December 21, 1975, during the season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. In that game, he caught his 634th career pass, surpassing Don Maynard to become the NFL's all-time receptions leader. By the time he retired following the 1977 season, Taylor had accumulated 649 receptions for 9,110 yards and 79 touchdowns. His most pivotal moment came in 1972 when he scored two crucial touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game, securing Washington's first-ever trip to the Super Bowl. Although they fell short in Super Bowl VII against the undefeated Miami Dolphins, Taylor’s performance in that championship run cemented his status as a franchise icon. He remained the league's active leader in receiving yards for four seasons following Maynard’s retirement.

Reader's Guide

For fans studying Washington Commanders history, Charley Taylor represents the gold standard of longevity and versatility. His career spans from his rookie year in 1964 through his final season in 1977, a period where he evolved from a dual-threat running back to an elite wide receiver. Key milestones include his 50+ reception seasons (a record-tying seven) and his all-time receptions title held until 1984. As of the 2024 season, his 79 receiving touchdowns still stand as the franchise record. Taylor’s journey offers a blueprint for players aiming to master multiple facets of the game; he was an All-Pro six times and made eight Pro Bowls. His post-playing career also contributed to the team's success, serving as a scout and receivers coach under Joe Gibbs from 1981 through 1993.

Did You Know?

• Taylor was the first NFL rookie in 20 years to finish in the top 10 for both rushing and receiving.
• He played baseball at Arizona State until a line drive hit his knee, ending that career.
• His 79 receiving touchdowns remain a Washington franchise record as of the 2024 season.
• Taylor tied an NFL record with seven seasons of 50 or more receptions.
• He passed Don Maynard to become the all-time receptions leader on December 21, 1975.

Early Life and Collegiate Foundation

Taylor was born in Grand Prairie, Texas, the second of seven children raised by his mother Myrtle and stepfather James Stevenson. He played football, baseball, basketball, and track by eighth grade. At Dalworth High School, he earned all-state honors in both track (high hurdles, discus, shot put, long jump) and football. He attended Arizona State University as a halfback and defensive back, earning All-Western Athletic Conference selection. In three seasons at ASU, he gained 1,995 yards from scrimmage with a 5.7-yard average and scored 25 touchdowns. Taylor also played baseball for the Sun Devils until a line drive hit his knee during practice, ending that career. He competed in the East-West Shrine Game, Hula Bowl, and All-American Bowl, winning MVP honors in the College All-Star Game against the Chicago Bears in August 1964. In 1975, he was inducted as a charter member of the Arizona State Sports Hall of Fame.

NFL Playing Career and Records

Selected third overall by Washington in the 1964 NFL draft (also ninth by Houston Oilers in the AFL draft), Taylor signed with the Redskins. He won UPI Rookie of the Year, becoming the first rookie in 20 years to finish top-10 in rushing (sixth, 755 yards) and receiving (eighth, 814 yards). Switched to wide receiver in 1966, he led the NFL in receiving that year and again in 1967. He tied an NFL record with seven seasons of 50+ receptions. In 1972, his two touchdowns against Dallas propelled Washington to Super Bowl VII. On December 21, 1975, he passed Don Maynard for the all-time receptions lead (634th catch). Retiring after 1977, he held records with 649 receptions, 9,110 yards, and 79 touchdowns until Charlie Joiner surpassed his catches in 1984. His 79 receiving touchdowns remain a franchise record as of the 2024 season. He totaled 10,803 combined net yards (1,488 rushing) and scored 540 points.

Coaching Tenure with Washington

Following his retirement, Taylor served as a scout in the Redskins' front office alongside Bobby Mitchell. In 1981, under head coach Joe Gibbs, he became the receivers coach. He remained on the coaching staff through 1993 under Richie Petitbon but was not retained by new head coach Norv Turner in March 1994, concluding three decades of service to the franchise.

Legacy Honors and Personal Life

Taylor was named to the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984, selected as one of the 70 Greatest Redskins, and ranked number 85 on The Sporting News' list of 100 greatest football players in 1999. He married Patricia in 1965; they lived in Reston, Virginia, with three children (Elizabeth, Erica, Charles Jr.) and three grandchildren (Robyn, Jordyn, Nathan). He later worked as a consultant for the Commanders and did speaking engagements. Taylor died on February 19, 2022, in Northern Virginia at age 80.