IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION honoring the life and accomplishments of Kansas City Chiefs great Otis Taylor.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21206, March 20, 2023
INTRODUCED BY DaRon McGee, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, Otis Taylor, the electrifying, big-play wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs during their Super Bowl era of the late 1960s and 70s, passed away on March 9, 2023, after a lengthy illness; and,
WHEREAS, during his 11-year pro career, Taylor was one of the most dazzling offensive players in football, with his supple hands, speed, and fearless nature that made him a big target with the ability to go deep and a prototype for the next generation of receivers; and,
WHEREAS, Taylor will always be remembered for a signature play in Chiefs history when he caught a hitch pass against Minnesota in Super Bowl IV, bowled over a defender, and high-stepped down the sideline for a 46-yard touchdown that clinched the 23-7 victory in what is still one of the greatest upsets in pro football history; and,
WHEREAS, Taylor's remarkable achievements include selection as a three-time Pro Bowler and AFC Player of the Year in 1971, when he was the only receiver in the NFL to post a 1,000-yard season, catching 57 passes for a whopping 19.5-yard average; and,
WHEREAS, Taylor was inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1982; and,
WHEREAS, Taylor's absence from the Pro Football Hall of Fame is considered a glaring omission by many including Green Bay Hall of Fame cornerback Herb Adderley who covered Taylor in Super Bowl I and who believed Taylor had Hall of Fame credentials; and,
WHEREAS, Taylor played in an era when the bump-and-run defense was in vogue and linebackers and safeties were allowed to smack receivers who came across the middle, an era when the Chiefs played a conservative offense and stressed defense and special teams; and,
WHEREAS, Otis Taylor's life and accomplishments are an inspiration to all of us and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of football players; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that we honor the life and accomplishments of Otis Taylor, a legendary football player, who represented the Kansas City Chiefs with distinction and pride and whose contributions will never be forgotten; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Legislature extends its sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Otis Taylor and recognizes the immeasurable impact he had on the Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL, and the community.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________ ______________________________
Chief Deputy County Counselor County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 21206 of March 20, 2023, was duly passed on March 20, 2023 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas ______9_________ Nays ______0________
Abstaining ____0_____ Absent _____0_______
________________________ ____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature