Taylor played college football at Arizona State University in Tempe as a halfback and defensive back. He was selected as an All-American two years in a row and was also selected to the All-Western Athletic Conference team. Following his final season, Taylor played in the East-West Shrine Game, the Hula Bowl, and the All-American Bowl. He also played in the College All-Star Game against the Chicago Bears in August 1964 and was named the Most Valuable Player of the game. In his three seasons at ASU, Taylor gained 1,995 yards from scrimmage and averaged 5.7 yards per carry, while also scoring 25 touchdowns.

Although known as a successful running back, Taylor was switched to wide receiver in 1966 and led the NFL in receiving in both 1966 and 1967. He played that position for the rest of his career and had a record-tying seven seasons with 50 or more receptions. In the season finale in 1975, Taylor passed Don Maynard and became the NFL’s all-time receptions leader with his 634th career catch on December 21 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Following Maynard’s retirement in 1973, Taylor was the league’s active leader in receiving yards for four seasons. He began 1974 with 7,470 yards, then 11th all-time, and climbed up to 4th.

Taylor was inducted into the Arizona State Sports Hall of Fame as a charter member in 1975.

After retiring, Taylor was hired to work in the Redskins’ front office with Bobby Mitchell as a scout. When Joe Gibbs became head coach in 1981, he selected Taylor to be the receivers coach. He served on the coaching staff through 1993 under Richie Petitbon, but was not retained by new head coach Norv Turner in March 1994, ending three decades with the franchise.

Taylor was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984 and was selected as one of the 70 Greatest Redskins of all time. In 1999, he was ranked number 85 on The Sporting News list of the 100 Greatest Football Players.