Former Kansas City Chiefs stars Albert Lewis and Otis Taylor have taken another step closer to the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame. Four former Chiefs have made the cut as semifinalists in the Seniors and Coach/Contributor categories. Cornerback Albert Lewis and wide receiver Otis Taylor have been named semifinalists in the Seniors section, while head coach Marty Schottenheimer and scout Lloyd Wells are semifinalists in the Coach/Contributor category.
Albert Lewis, known for his stature and speed, was one of the tallest and fastest defensive backs during his era from 1983 to 1993. Standing at 6-foot-2, Lewis made a significant impact, amassing 555 tackles, 38 interceptions, seven forced fumbles, and 4.5 sacks for the Chiefs. Following his tenure with the Chiefs, Lewis spent five years playing for the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, finishing his career at the age of 38 with impressive stats of 832 tackles, 42 interceptions, and 12.5 sacks. Lewis was honored as a member of the Chiefs 25-Year All-Time Team in 1987 and was later inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2007.
Otis Taylor, a Chiefs Hall of Famer who sadly passed away at the age of 80 in March, left an undeniable mark on the franchise. His name can still be found 32 times in the Chiefs’ record books. Taylor holds the records for the most games with 100 or more receiving yards in a season, tied with six others at six games, and the highest receiving average in a season at 22.36 yards per catch in 1966. His connection with quarterback Len Dawson resulted in 46 touchdowns, a record shared with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce for most touchdowns in Chiefs history. Additionally, Taylor’s 7,306 receiving yards rank third in franchise history, and his 20 career games with at least 100 or more receiving yards also stand third.
Head coach Marty Schottenheimer led the Chiefs from 1989 to 1998, achieving a remarkable 101-58-1 regular-season record. He secured three division titles, seven playoff appearances, and guided the team to the AFC Championship. Schottenheimer’s consistent success with the Chiefs has earned him a spot as a semifinalist in the Coach/Contributor category.
Lloyd Wells, a pioneer as the first Black scout in football, played a significant role in shaping the Chiefs roster from 1963 to 1974. Wells was instrumental in recruiting future Chiefs Hall of Famers such as Buck Buchanan, Emmitt Thomas, Willie Lanier, and Otis Taylor. He played a vital role in the NFL’s efforts to recruit players from historically Black colleges and universities. Wells’ contributions were recognized as eight of his recruits made All-AFL during their professional careers.
The Coach/Contributor Committee members will convene on August 15th to select one candidate from the category for final consideration into the Class of 2024. Subsequently, the Seniors Committee will meet on August 22nd to potentially elect up to three candidates from that category for enshrinement.
With Albert Lewis and Otis Taylor making the semifinals for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, their contributions to the Chiefs organization and the sport of football are being recognized. Both players left an indelible mark on the field, solidifying their status among the all-time greats. As the selection process continues, football fans eagerly await the final decisions and hope to see these deserving individuals honored in the esteemed Pro Football Hall of Fame.
