Charley Taylor

The Versatile Playmaker Who Redefined the Receiver Position

Few players in NFL history were as dynamic and versatile as Charley Taylor. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, eight-time Pro Bowler, and the NFL’s all-time leading receiver at the time of his retirement, Taylor revolutionized the wide receiver position with his speed, hands, route-running, and ability to make plays after the catch.

Originally drafted as a running back, Taylor’s transition to wide receiver changed the way offenses used playmakers, proving that a player could excel both as a rusher and a pass-catcher. His ability to dominate in multiple roles helped him become the Washington Redskins’ all-time greatest receiver, leading the team to its first Super Bowl appearance in 1972.

This collection honors Charley Taylor, the trailblazing receiver who broke records, redefined offensive versatility, and helped shape the modern passing game.

Charley Taylor’s Legendary Career by the Numbers

Taylor’s statistics and achievements place him among the greatest receivers in NFL history.

Career Statistics & Achievements (1964–1977)

Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1984)
Eight-time Pro Bowler (1964–1967, 1972–1975)
Two-time First-Team All-Pro (1967, 1975)
NFL Rookie of the Year (1964)
NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
Super Bowl VII Appearance (1972 Season)
NFL All-Time Leading Receiver at Retirement (649 receptions)
Career Receiving Yards: 9,110
Career Receiving Touchdowns: 79
Career Rushing Yards: 1,488
Career Rushing Touchdowns: 11
Three-time NFC Champion (1972)
Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins) Ring of Fame

Taylor wasn’t just a dominant receiver—his ability to run the football and make defenders miss after the catch made him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons of his era.

The College Years – A Multi-Talented Star at Arizona State

Before becoming one of the NFL’s all-time great receivers, Taylor was a do-it-all playmaker at Arizona State University.

Born in Grand Prairie, Texas, in 1941, Taylor grew up as a standout multi-sport athlete.
He played running back and defensive back at Arizona State, proving his versatility and athleticism.
He led the Sun Devils in rushing yards and showcased his ability as a receiver out of the backfield.
Taylor’s unique skill set as a runner and pass-catcher made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 1964 NFL Draft.

Despite excelling at multiple positions, Taylor was projected as a running back, leading to his selection by Washington with the third overall pick in the 1964 NFL Draft.

The Washington Years – A Versatile Weapon from the Start

Taylor’s impact was immediate, as he took the league by storm in his rookie season.

Rookie of the Year (1964)

In his first season, Taylor played running back and wide receiver, finishing with 1,560 total yards and 10 touchdowns.
He was named NFL Rookie of the Year, proving that he was a rare offensive talent.
He quickly became one of the most dangerous dual-threat players in the league, excelling as both a runner and receiver.

By 1966, Taylor’s skill as a pass-catcher became too valuable, leading Washington to convert him into a full-time wide receiver—a decision that would make NFL history.

Becoming an Elite Wide Receiver

After moving to wide receiver full-time in 1966, Taylor exploded as one of the most dominant pass-catchers in the NFL.

First-Team All-Pro (1967)

Taylor led the NFL in receptions (70) and receiving yards (1,119) in 1966, showing that he could dominate as a wideout.
In 1967, he repeated as the NFL’s reception leader, earning First-Team All-Pro honors.
His ability to run after the catch and break tackles made him one of the most feared receivers in football.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Taylor became the go-to target for Washington quarterbacks Sonny Jurgensen and Billy Kilmer, solidifying himself as one of the best receivers in NFL history.

Super Bowl VII – Leading Washington to the Biggest Stage

By the early 1970s, Taylor was the undisputed leader of Washington’s offense, helping guide the team to Super Bowl VII in the 1972 season.

Taylor played a crucial role in Washington’s NFC Championship season, finishing with 673 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns.
In Super Bowl VII, Washington faced the undefeated Miami Dolphins, but fell short in a 14-7 loss.
Despite the defeat, Taylor’s leadership and playmaking ability helped establish Washington as a perennial contender in the 1970s.

Though he never won a Super Bowl, Taylor’s impact on Washington’s first-ever Super Bowl appearance cemented his legacy.

Breaking the All-Time Receiving Record

By the mid-1970s, Taylor was approaching NFL history, as he climbed the all-time receiving leaderboard.

In 1975, Taylor passed Don Maynard to become the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions, finishing his career with 649 catches.
His record stood until it was eventually broken by Charlie Joiner in the early 1980s, but at the time, no receiver had ever caught more passes.

Taylor’s consistent production, longevity, and dominance as a route-runner and playmaker made him one of the most complete receivers of his generation.

Retirement & Hall of Fame Induction

After 14 incredible seasons with Washington, Taylor retired in 1977, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and versatility.

He retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions (649) and one of the top five all-time leaders in receiving yards (9,110).
In 1984, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, forever enshrining him as one of the game’s greatest wide receivers.
He later served as an assistant coach for Washington, helping develop Art Monk and Gary Clark, who continued Washington’s tradition of elite wide receivers.

Taylor remained one of the most respected figures in franchise history, influencing generations of wide receivers.

Defining Moments of Taylor’s Career

1964 – Wins NFL Rookie of the Year: Becomes a dual-threat sensation in Washington’s offense.
1966 – Becomes Full-Time Wide Receiver: Leads the NFL in receptions and establishes himself as one of the best WRs in the game.
1967 – Earns First-Team All-Pro Honors: Catches 70 passes for 990 yards, solidifying his dominance as a receiver.
1972 – Leads Washington to Super Bowl VII: Helps guide Washington to its first-ever Super Bowl appearance.
1975 – Becomes the NFL’s All-Time Leader in Receptions: Surpasses Don Maynard to set the career receptions record.
1977 – Retires After 14 Legendary Seasons: Ends his career as one of the most accomplished receivers of all time.
1984 – Inducted into the Hall of Fame: Recognized as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history.

A Legacy That Redefined the Wide Receiver Position

Charley Taylor wasn’t just a great wide receiver—he was a pioneer.

He helped redefine offensive versatility, proving that a player could excel as both a runner and a receiver.
He set NFL receiving records that stood for nearly a decade, proving his longevity and consistency.
His ability to create after the catch, break tackles, and dominate as a route-runner helped inspire future stars like Jerry Rice, Michael Irvin, and Terrell Owens.

A Dynamic Playmaker, A Record-Breaking Receiver, and One of the Greatest Wideouts in NFL History.