Then, in his rolling Southern. He did so with lots of help, including the necessary financial backing from close friend and Charlotte mega-banker Hugh McColl Jr. Richardsons son Mark was also instrumental in the effort. He took the money earned from that game and started the first Hardee's franchise in Spartanburg. Within hours of the Sports Illustrated report, Richardson announced that he would sell the Panthers. A native son who was shaped by the region, his . Lets just say I wasnt bursting with optimism, Richardson told The Observer in a 1995 story. Fox said from the NFL combine in Indianapolis. The following day Richardson would tell a pep rally of thousands of fans in Charlotte that the Panthers would not only get to but win a Super Bowl within their first 10 years an unfulfilled promise that he was often reminded of in later years. Mar 02, 2023 at 01:47 PM. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. After he had a heart transplant in Charlotte in 2009, Richardson lived for 14 more years. Richardson was insistent on his stadium being financed privately. Giants co-owner John Mara once told Richardson during the intense labor talks, according to the MMQB website: I dont know whose heart you got, but that had to be a tough son of a bitch.. Richardson had 241 yards receiving in a game against Newberry in 1956, and he was named an Associated Press Little All-American in 57 and 58. The team also became embedded in the sports culture of the Carolinas, producing stars like Cam Newton, Steve Smith and Luke Kuechly and routinely selling out 73,000-seat Bank of America Stadium. CHARLOTTE, N.C Jerry Richardson, the Carolina Panthers founder and for years one of the NFL's most influential owners until a scandal forced him to sell the team . When Carolina received an NFL team from the League in 1993, Richardson became the second former NFL player to hold the position of the owner. RIP Mr. Richardson pic.twitter.com/o27b6O5Czt. His height is 1.91 m tall, and his weight is 84 kg. He ultimately became a millionaire and used that money to purchase the Panthers for $206 million. We wish them much peace and comfort.. Richardson served on several high-level owners committees, playing a key role in labor negotiations with the players union. A family spokesman said Thursday that Richardson died peacefully last night at his Charlotte home.. Quarterback Jake Delhomme, who led the Panthers to their first Super Bowl in the 2003 season, recalls getting a phone call from Richardson a couple of days after enduring he endured a disastrous four-turnover performance in a 33-13 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the 2008 playoffs. Though, he is 1.91 m tall, he weighs about 84 kg. Richardson ended the 59 regular season with seven receptions and three touchdowns, but saved his most memorable play for the title game against the New York Giants (the Super Bowl did not yet exist). And during Richardson's tenure as owner he always made sure the NFL logo instead of his team's was at midfield of Bank of America Stadium. CHARLOTTE, N.C (AP) Jerry Richardson, the Carolina Panthers founder and for years one of the NFL's most influential owners until a scandal forced him to sell the . Jerry Richardson, the former Carolina Panthers owner who sold the team amid accusations of workplace misconduct, and his wife Rosalind have donated $5 million to Charleston's International . "His generosity will benefit future generations," Wofford athletics director Richard Johnson said. Also Read: Who was Jerry Richardson? Here you will get Jerry Richardson's net worth, weight, height net worth, girlfriend, educational qualification and complete bio. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! Richardson founded the. "On the NFL's behalf, I extend our sincere condolences to Jerry's wife, Rosalind, and their family.". That would serve as the seed money for a hugely successful fast-food franchise that would lead to Richardson bringing an NFL franchise to the Carolinas. ", "I will always be thankful to Mr. Richardson for providing me with the opportunity to play for the Panthers. Even in his later years, Richardsons posture showcased what Muhleman called a flawless vertical carriage that made him the tallest 6-foot-3 on the planet.. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 53 after a protracted fight with cancer. Rosalind Sallenger Richardson; the wife of former player and current team owner, Jerome Johnson Richardson, simply known as Jerry Richardson; he is the owner of the Carolina Panthers. Richardson didnt play much for Baltimore. "From a personal perspective, he was a wise and caring advisor to me, his fellow owners, and many Panthers players and coaches over the years. When Richardson heard the news in Chicago on Oct. 26, 1993, that his bid had been accepted to own the NFLs 29th franchise, he pointed to television cameras from the Carolinas at a press conference and yelled: Thank you, thank you, thank you!. As a football fan, he has naming rights to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's football field. Can the Lions fix their defense? A former teammate of Johnny Unitas who caught a touchdown pass in the Baltimore Colts' victory over the New York Giants in the 1959 NFL championship game, Richardson only spent two years in the NFL before venturing into the restaurant business. Here's everything we know, Everything you need to know about Geno Smith's contract negotiations, The most memorable pre-NFL draft workouts ever: Coaches, scouts, execs make their picks, 2023 NFL franchise tag tracker: Raiders tag Josh Jacobs, the NFL's rushing leader. A PSL would cost anywhere from $600 to $5400 per ticket and could later be re-sold or handed down in the right-holders will. That allegiance to the league and his status within it also made him one of the lead voices for owners in the 2010 labor negotiations, in which he famously and sometimes profanely clashed with players across the table including Peyton Manning. But Richardsons reputation took a tremendous hit when he announced he was selling the Panthers on Dec. 17, 2017, the same day Sports Illustrated reported that four former Panthers employees received significant monetary settlements due to inappropriate sexually suggestive language and actions by Richardson. Two months after going on the donor waiting list, Richardson, then 72, received his transplant on Super Bowl Sunday in 2009 during a five-hour procedure at Carolinas Medical Center. Also Read: Kris Jordan: Cause of death, age, ex-wife Melissa Jordan, children, net worth and more. That concept contributed more than $100 million to the stadiums eventual cost of around $187 million. He sold the team to Tepper, a hedge fund owner, in May 2018 for a then-NFL record $2.27 billion. Jerry Richardson Age, Wiki, Biography I work, I go home, he said. "The NFL community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jerry Richardson. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. He overcame prostate cancer and underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2002. Their country home had no indoor plumbing. 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He fired both his sons Mark, the team president, and Jon, the director of stadium operations following a sibling squabble at the stadium in front of other employees while he was recovering from a heart transplant in 2009. Career Richardson stepped into NFL draft in 1959 and got selected in the thirteenth round by the supremacy victors the Baltimore Colts. You cant get to all 2,000 of them, he said then of the companys restaurants. He was a loyal member of the league, and painted "The Shield" logo at the 50-yard-line of his home field throughout his tenure as owner. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Mark Richardson was the team president and the heir apparent to his father, while the more laid-back Jon Richardson oversaw the stadium during its construction and operation. He made millions in the business world in the food business, but it was football that made him happy. "He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. He was my boss. We are saddened to hear about the passing of former owner Jerry Richardson. Id call it sticking to your convictions.. Being a part of the inaugural season is something that I will never forget. Jon Richardson died of cancer in 2013. . Jerome "Jerry" Richardson, the founding owner of the Carolina Panthers franchise, passed away on Wednesday night at his Charlotte home at the age of 86. I will always be grateful to him for the opportunity to coach the Carolina Panthers & for his patient, steadfast leadership during 7 seasons. He also had a policy where fans weren't allowed to remove their shirts during games. John Fox, who coached the Panthers from 2002 to 2010 and led them to the Super Bowl in 2003, told ESPN on Thursday that he and his family are "thankful'' for the opportunity Richardson gave them. "Jerry Richardson's contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic," Panthers owners David and Nicole Tepper said in a statement. Richardson was . He calls and says, Jake, the sun came out today at my house, did it come out at yours?, Delhomme said Thursday. Richardsons bid for an NFL team had to at first beat out a competing bid for a Charlotte team from Shinn. While fans saw a stoic Richardson sitting expressionless in his end-zone suite at Bank of America Stadium on Sundays, he was not afraid to cut up with his players. CHARLOTTE, N.C -- Jerry Richardson, the Carolina Panthers founder and for years one of the NFL's most influential owners until a scandal forced him to sell the team, has died. He has authored or co-authored eight books, including four about the Carolina Panthers. Richardsons legacy also includes the birth of the Panthers and the development of a restaurant empire that made him a rich enough man to join one of Americas most exclusive clubs the leagues 32 NFL owners. pic.twitter.com/9Cjn0PSYW2. It was a miracle. To see what the Panthers are today, that's truly a testament to his vision.". In the year 2002, he received the heart trouble and had . He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. The heart donor has never been identified. He loved the NFL so much that he kept the leagues logo a shield painted on the 50-yard line at Bank of America Stadium, rather than a team logo like nearly every other team in the league. The following month the NFL fined Richardson $2.75 million for alleged workplace misconduct. One former female employee recalled Richardson arriving barefoot and asking for a foot massage.. Richardson had heart problems at some point during his life. Florida. Richardson pulled down an 8-yard pass from Unitas for his first NFL touchdown in a 38-31 loss to Cleveland on Nov. 1, 1959. Unitas took a personal interest in Richardson, picking up the young receiver every morning on his way to practice and bringing him home at the end of the day. A lot of times people get to some level and they dont like to take a risk, he said. Tepper has said several times in interviews that the business side of the Panthers organization was in disarray when he bought the team in 2018. He began to slow down as he entered his mid-60s, battling heart issues. He and Bradshaw Richardsons former quarterback at Wofford opened their first Hardees restaurant in 1961 in Spartanburg. Panthers founder Jerry Richardson dies at 86, Jones: Not fixated on Cowboys' drought, just '23, Sources: Raiders plan franchise tag for Jacobs, WR Addison to Steelers' Pickett: 'Come get me', Wolverines' Turner wows with 4.26 40 at combine, Top QB prospect Levis eager to unleash 'cannon', QB Bennett addresses off-field issues at combine, Campbell: Lamar wants deal done with Ravens, Alabama QB Young undeterred by size questions, The future of the NFL combine: Is there really a chance it could end forever? The Carolina Panthers defeated the New York Giants 23 to 0. Facebook; Twitter; Facebook Messenger; Pinterest; Email; print; Carolina Panthers founder Jerry Richardson died Wednesday night at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina. And in 2014 star defensive end Greg Hardy was placed on a commissioner's exempt list after he was accused of allegedly throwing his girlfriend on to furniture and threatening to kill her. Head coach Frank Reich and general manager Scott Fitterer plan on speaking with the veteran quarterback again next week after Tuesday's meeting in Indianapolis. With the news also came a statement from current owner David Tepper and wife Nicole, who thanked Richardson for what he had done for them and the organization. Too brutal.. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Richardson, who was born July 18, 1936. The lack of consistency irritated Richardson, as Carolina failed to put together back-to-back winning seasons during his 23 seasons as owner despite hiring four coaches: Dom Capers, George Seifert, John Fox and Ron Rivera. In February 2021, Richardson made a $150 million gift to Wofford, pushing his personal contributions to the school to over a quarter of a billion dollars. Richardson was celebrated for bringing the NFL to Carolina in 1995, but his tenure with the team ended after the 2017 season amid allegations of sexual and racial workplace misconduct. His contributions to Wofford to date total more than $260 million, including capital upgrades. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? If he succeeded, he would become only the second NFL owner ever to both play in the league and own a team the other being George Halas. Richardson was born in his familys home in Spring Hope, in the eastern part of North Carolina, on July 18, 1936. Jerry Richardson, the founder of the American football team Carolina Panthers, has died at the age of 86 He is survived by his wife Rosalind Sallenger Richardson and three children - Ashley, Jon, and Mark Nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild are also included in his family Written By: Alfeeya Mohsin Pathan CHARLOTTE Jerry Richardson, the founder of the Carolina Panthers, passed away Wednesday night at age 86. "With the arrival of the Panthers in 1995, he changed the landscape of sports in the region and gave the NFL fans here a team to call their own. It was expected at the time one of the boys might inherit the team, but that never happened. The resignations were a shocking development that left Richardson as the only family member involved in the teams day-to-day operations. A 1987 Observer story noted that Richardsons Spartan Food Systems restaurant colossus at that point included 2,000 Hardees, Quincys and Dennys restaurants. After growing up in the Fayetteville area, Richardson went to Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.; where he excelled in football and laid the groundwork for a business empire that would allow him to return to the game he once walked away from. Because of his imposing build and status as a former NFL player, Richardson engendered a level of respect not often accorded to NFL owners. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton), NFL comissioner Roger Goodell, left, and Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson walk together during a break at an NFL owners meeting in Irving, Texas, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015. It was a stormy night, she said then. Richardson survived a series of serious health-related issues in his later years. The family moved to Fayetteville when Richardson was in elementary school. . It was also reported he used a racial slur directed toward a team scout. Category: Richest Business. Jerry Richardson, a former NFL owner, is survived by his wife Rosalind Sallenger Richardson. Richardson is survived by his wife, Rosalind, son Mark and daughter Ashley Richardson Allen. The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation supported the first-of-its-kind in Mecklenburg County project, which offers urgent care for behavioral health needs. Conservative by nature, Richardson once cautioned Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton against getting tattoos and piercings after drafting the quarterback No. When I went through my injuries and everyone told him it was time to move on and turn the page he said no. He was not a close personal friend at the time. That kind of production earned him Associated Press Little All-America honors in 1957 and 1958, and in 1959, he was drafted by the Baltimore Colts. "The Carolina Panthers are a testament to his extraordinary and tireless dedication to the community. The lack of consistency irritated Richardson, as Carolina failed to put together back-to-back winning seasons during his 23 seasons as owner despite hiring four coaches: Dom Capers, George Seifert, John Fox and Ron Rivera. The NFL fined Richardson a league-record $2.75 million after its probe concluded, nearly tripling the amount of its previous record fine of $1 million. Info. He and his wife have two sons, Mark and Jon. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. In 23 NFL seasons with Richardson as owner, the Panthers qualified for two Super Bowls, in the 2003 and 2015 postseason, although they lost both games. One of our dear friends said, God does not give out hearts lightly, Rosalind Richardson told The Observer two weeks after the surgery. A new home for Michael Thomas? In a two-sentence statement at the time that didnt explain the mysterious parting, Richardson cited the great contributions his sons had made, but expressed confidence in the remaining members of the leadership team. "I didn't know Mr. Richardson very well at all,'' Olsen said. The founder and former owner of the Panthers passed away on Wednesday night. Former tight end Greg Olsen posted a four-minute video on Twitter, saying when Richardson learned his unborn son had a serious heart defect he insisted on flying his family to Boston Medical Center in his own personal jet so they could receive the best medical advice. With the arrival of the Panthers in 1995, he changed the landscape of sports in the region and gave the NFL fans here a team to call their own.". He'd drop in on restaurants from time to time to check up, sticking his head in the drive-through line to surprise customers and employees alike. Richardsons catch came in the horseshoe end of Memorial Stadium, where the rowdier Colts fans congregated. Richardson developed a friendship with some of his Panthers players -- some, like former wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad, would approach him for business advice when their career were over. As with other captains of industry, Richardson's name adorns a number of buildings throughout the two states, but few places carry it as proudly as his alma mater. After a bad first half, Richardson caught several passes in the second half from Johnny Unitas and made the team. Entering the last preseason game before final cuts, Richardson and Michigan States John Lewis were battling for the final receiver spot. The team said that moving the statue is in the interest of public safety. It has never returned. The scholarship was meant to honor his wife and her commitment to the arts. The team reached the Super Bowl in the 2003 and 2015 seasons, but lost both times. It was also reported he used a racial slur directed toward a team scout. With the arrival of the Panthers in 1995, he changed the landscape of sports in the region and gave NFL fans here a team to call their own. He made the greatest gift in Wofford Colleges history in 2021 when he gave $150 million to the institution. A native son who was shaped by the region, his personal journey culminated with bringing professional football to the Carolinas, leaving an indelible mark on the area he loved. pic.twitter.com/9Cjn0PSYW2. He played football at Fayetteville High 6-3, 150-pound receiver known as Stick for his slender frame who won the teams Competitor Trophy. But as he stepped back from some of his day-to-day work with the team, his influence within the NFL remained large. In 2016, Jerry Richardson made donations to establish the Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts on the Wofford College campus in honor of his wife of more than 60 years. He was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1959 and caught a touchdown pass from Johnny Unitas in the 1959 NFL Championship Game. Rest up my friend!''. But in June 2020, the Panthers removed the statue, saying they were concerned there may be attempts to take the statue down due to protests and unrest following the death of George Floyd. The plan to finance the stadium largely with his own money was the part that carried the biggest risk, but Richardson told The Observer in 1987 that would be part of the fun. Still, Richardson often began his days at that point, at age 51, by showing up unannounced at one of the Hardees in Spartanburg, and either making biscuits, pouring coffee or taking orders at the drive-thru. And he went above and beyond to bring love and comfort to a family at its toughest time.". Richardson became the first former NFL player to own a team since Chicagos George Halas when he landed the expansion Panthers in 1993. He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. CHARLOTTE, N.C -- Jerry Richardson, the Carolina Panthers founder and for years one of the NFL's most influential owners until a scandal forced him to sell the team, has died. We wish them much peace and comfort.". The team called the statue a public safety hazard at the time, citing the nightly social justice marches then occurring in Charlotte. He fired a number of Richardson-era employees after his purchase and also quickly changed the 50-yard line symbol to the Panthers logo. Together they have three children and their names are Ashley Richardson Allen, Mark, and Jon. We wish them much peace and comfort.". ", "Jerry Richardson gave me my first opportunity to be a head coach, and I'll always be thankful for that. The team reached the Super Bowl in the 2003 and 2015 seasons, but lost both times. He was fined $2.75 million by the NFL after an extensive investigation into the allegations following a story by Sports Illustrated in which four former employees anonymously stated they reached a financial settlement with Richardson in exchange for silence. I said, Yes sir, it did. He said, thats a good thing everything will be OK. And then he hung up the phone.. He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful.. The family did not own a car until Jerry Richardson was 16. The Richardsons have a total of nine grandchildren. The Spring Hope, North Carolina, native spent years trying to persuade the NFL to put a team in the Carolinas, ultimately succeeding through a relatively original concept of funding a new stadium through the sales of permanent seat licenses. His other. Rosalind Sallenger, Richardsons wife, also studied at Winthrop University in the late 1950s. Funeral services will be private. Ralph Waclawicz/Call (212) 686-8900 or e-mail info@wireimage.com to license WireImage images. Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson watches players warm up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010. I was told I couldn't get my company on the New York Stock Exchange before I was 40. After the Baltimore Colts drafted Richardson in the 13th round, he showed up for training camp in 1959 as one of 19 receivers fighting for three spots on the 36-man roster. He enlisted sports marketing executive Max Muhleman, and they put in place the first permanent seat license concept, in which fans paid an up-front fee for access to season tickets. He was dedicated to making the Panthers the team of the Carolinas, building Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte and making Wofford College the long-time home of the team's training camp.

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