In doing research for my book High School Football in Texas: Amazing Football Stories From the Greatest Players of Texas I learned how Charley Taylor evolved into a Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver. On Sunday, I was saddened by Taylor’s passing at the age of 80.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Charley Taylor passed away Saturday at the age of 80, according to the @Commanders, the franchise where he had spent the entirety of his 14-year playing career (1964-1977) in the National Football League.#HOFForever pic.twitter.com/fxpfbjcRx5
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) February 20, 2022
Taylor, who was born in Grand Prairie, Texas, was a multiple-sport athlete growing-up. In addition to football, Taylor played baseball, basketball and was a member of the track team at Dalworth High School.
21 Nov 1958, Fri Grand Prairie Daily News (Grand Prairie, Texas) Newspapers.comDuring segregation, Dalworth was part of the talent-laden Prairie Valley Interscholastic League.
There aren’t a lot of newspaper reports during Taylor’s high school days, but I was able to discover that during his 1958 senior season, he was listed as a 185-pound fullback for the Dalworth Dragons. That 1958 team reached the Class 1A championship game where the Dragons lost to Livingston Dunbar.
Taylor was also part of Dalworth’s rock solid defense that only allowed one touchdown per game during the regular season.
In the title game, Taylor scored two touchdowns in Dalworth’s 26-24 loss.
After graduating from Dalworth, Taylor head to Arizona State where he played running back and defensive back. He was named an All-American after his junior and senior seasons.
The football world today is celebrating the life and career of Charley Taylor. A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 1984, Taylor died Saturday. He was 80.#HOFForever | @Commanders pic.twitter.com/34piBi199x
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) February 20, 2022
Taylor was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984. He’s also a member of the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame.
In 1992, the Houston Chronicle named Taylor to the all-PVIL Team.
