Jerry Richardson, born on July 18, 1936, in North Carolina, is best known as the founder and owner of the Carolina Panthers franchise. However, before his successful career as an NFL team owner, Richardson had a brief yet impactful stint as a player in the league.
Richardson played college football at Wofford College before being selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 13th round of the 1958 NFL Draft. Although he only played two seasons in the NFL, Richardson made his mark by catching a touchdown pass from Johnny Unitas in a winning effort to secure an NFL Championship with the Colts.
After his playing days were over, Richardson shifted his focus to business and eventually became the founder of the Carolina Panthers franchise in 1993. As the owner of the team, Richardson led the Panthers to great success, culminating in a trip to the Super Bowl in 2003. Although the Panthers fell short to the New England Patriots in the big game, Richardson's leadership was instrumental in the team's journey to the championship.
Off the field, Richardson had a close-knit family with two sons, Mark and John. Tragically, John passed away from cancer in 2013, leaving a void in the Richardson family. Despite the personal challenges he faced, Richardson remained dedicated to his team and continued to push the Panthers towards excellence.
Jerry Richardson will be remembered as a football legend, not only for his contributions on the field but also for his impact as a team owner. His dedication to the Carolina Panthers and his commitment to the sport of football have left a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Overall, Jerry Richardson's story is one of perseverance, passion, and love for the game. From his humble beginnings as a college football player to his rise as a successful NFL team owner, Richardson's journey is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. He will always be remembered as a trailblazer in the world of football.