DENVER (KDVR) — The Denver Broncos organization and fanbase had to say goodbye to true team royalty on Wednesday, after it was announced that original Broncos player and inaugural Ring of Fame member, Lionel Taylor, died at the age of 89 on Aug. 6.

His death was reported by the Denver Broncos.

After being cut by the Chicago Bears as a linebacker in 1959, Taylor made the change to the Broncos in their first-ever season in 1960.

The new scenery also brought a change in position, as Taylor took up playing as a wide receiver, which was a marvelous decision, as he quickly found his name in the history books.

He was the first player in professional football history to record 100 catches in a season, and finished his career as the Broncos’ all-time leader in stats, including:

543 receptions

6,872 receiving yards

44 touchdown receptions

Taylor played for the Broncos for seven years and became an original member of the Broncos Ring of Fame in 1984. He was also inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 1970.