DENVER - Broncos Ring of Fame wide receiver Lionel Taylor, the franchise's first star after its inception in 1960, has died at 89 years old, the team announced Wednesday. A cause of death was not disclosed.

Taylor, who finished his career in 1966 as Denver's then-leader in catches (543), receiving yards (6,872) and touchdown receptions (44), has long been a key piece of the foundation of the city's sports identity. He came to the Broncos from the Chicago Bears in 1960, as the franchise began play in the AFL.

In establishing himself as a four-time first-team All-Pro in seven seasons, he became associated with a wide range of firsts in longstanding sports institutions in Denver: first Bronco to be elected to the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, and part of the Broncos' first Ring of Fame clas

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