SACRAMENTO — Former Utah State running back Altie Taylor has died. The former Aggie, Detroit Lion and Houston Oiler died at his home in Sacramento on Sunday. He was 62.
Taylor was a vital part of a strong Utah State running game when he played for the Aggies during the late 1960s after transferring from Diablo Junior College in California.
At Utah State, Taylor rushed 415 times for 1,959 yards and 13 touchdowns.
An eight-year veteran of the NFL, seven years with the Detroit Lions and another with the Houston Oilers, Taylor rushed for 4,308 yards and 24 touchdowns. He was also a dual threat as a receiver and had 175 receptions for 1,538 yards and six trips to the end zone.
Taylor was a second-round draft pick by the Lions in 1969. He is still the fourth-leading rusher in Lions history, trailing only Barry Sanders, Billy Sims and Dexter Bussey.