Legendary Broncos receiver Lionel Taylor finally sees Ring of Fame pillar on visit to Denver

Lionel Taylor finally has seen his Ring of Fame pillar.

Taylor, a star receiver for the Broncos from 1960-66, was inducted into the team’s Ring of Fame in the charter class of 1984. Pillars of Ring of Fame inductees were put up outside of Empower Field at Mile High in 2013. But Sunday marked the first time Taylor had been at the stadium to see his.

“That guy looks good. He makes me look a lot better than I am,’’ Taylor, 89, said of the sculpture. “He did a fantastic job.”

Taylor, who lives outside Albuquerque in Rio Rancho, N.M., signed autographs for fans before the game between the Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers. During the game, he was shown on the video board and got much applause when he waved to fans.

Taylor had previously been to Empower Field, which opened in 2001, but it was before his pillar was unveiled.

“It is fantastic,’’ Taylor said of his return to Denver on Sunday, along with his wife Lorencita.

While with the Broncos, Taylor became the first pro receiver in 1961 to have 100 catches in a season, grabbing 100 for 1,176 yards. In his seven Denver seasons, he caught 543 passes for 6,872 yards.

Taylor also was the wide receivers coach for the Steelers from 1970-76. He won two Super Bowl rings with them.

After being away for so long, Taylor said he is now looking forward to attending another Broncos game in Denver.