Taylor played for the Oklahoma City College before entering the National Football League in 1947. In his first NFL game, he gained 212 yards receiving, setting league records for an NFL debut and first game of the season. Those records were eventually broken by Anquan Boldin in 2003 and Frank Clarke in 1962, respectively. As a member of the Washington Redskins from 1947 to 1954, the 6-foot-4-inch Taylor was an outstanding end and made the Pro Bowl in 1952 and 1954.
After his career, he coached in the American Football League, becoming the head coach of the Houston Oilers in 1965, succeeding Sammy Baugh. The Oilers went 4–10, resulting in Taylor's dismissal at the end of the season.
In 1968, Bones Taylor coached the Spokane Shockers of the Continental Football League. The Shockers was owned by Taylor's old Redskins playing buddy, Ed Justice. Taylor had the distinction of coaching Kenny Stabler, who at the time was a rookie quarterback signed on by the Oakland Raiders.