Mr. Richardson claims that Wofford has had the biggest impact on his achievement in life, with no other influence coming close. It was also reported he used a racial slur directed toward a team scout. 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. 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. Richardsons legacy was forever changed when Sports Illustrated magazine published an investigative report just minutes before kickoff on a Sunday the Panthers were hosting the Green Bay Packers Dec. 17, 2017. Wofford offered Richardson a partial scholarship worth less than $300, and he took it. Jerome J. Richardson was born July 18, 1936, in Spring Hope, N.C., the first step in a journey that would transform the Carolinas. His height is 1.91 m tall, and his weight is 84 kg. He was 86. 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.". Within hours of the Sports Illustrated report, Richardson announced that he would sell the Panthers. I have the ultimate American dream, it couldnt be better for me. Can the Lions fix their defense? He was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1959 and caught a touchdown pass from Johnny Unitas in the 1959 NFL Championship Game. He was my boss. In 2009, he had a successful heart transplant at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Please keep the Richardson family in your prayers today! They have three children. Im 58 years old, and I dont hunt, I dont fish, and I dont play golf. They played miniature golf in Myrtle Beach on their first date. Carruth was imprisoned for 16 years. After purchasing the Panthers, Tepper said he was contractually obligated to keep the statue of Richardson, flanked by two panthers, outside of the downtown Charlotte stadium that Richardson built. "The NFL community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jerry Richardson," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement Thursday. 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. 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. We wish them much peace and comfort.. He never publicly explained the rift with his sons. "Mr. Richardson taught me so many life lessons over the years and I will forever be grateful for the friendship and the bond that we had. Richardson died. They kept opening more and more Hardees, with Richardson before long a multi-millionaire taking a hands-on approach to the business many times. . NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. He began to slow down as he entered his mid-60s, battling heart issues. But before he could ride around those games and bask in the adulation of having brought the NFL to the Carolinas, he had to deliver them. Carolina began play in 1995 and Richardson quickly built the Panthers into one of the league's model franchises, while becoming a powerful figure in the NFL. 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. 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 point of the story is not so much about T.J. and our family, as much as it was the love of the man, and the love he had for a player he didn't owe a lot to. A new home for Michael Thomas? Richardson, who was born July 18, 1936. Richardson remained confident throughout the process, getting a license plate that read PNTHERS in 1989 four years before his ownership group would actually be awarded a team. We got love from a man that was my employer, my boss, not a close personal friend at the time, Olsen said. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. "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. By then, the Panthers were playing their ninth NFL season. When he owned the team, Richardson would often refer back to the lessons learned selling hamburgers. The Richardsons have a total of nine grandchildren. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Info. Pictures of Richardson holding babies or showing up at pre-game tailgates made their rounds on social media before most games. The concept was simple cheap hamburgers, served to the masses and wildly successful. Richardson is survived by his wife, Rosalind, son Mark and daughter Ashley Richardson Allen. 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. Jon Richardson died of cancer in 2013. 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. It has never returned. Net Worth: $2 Billion. In the year 2002, he received the heart trouble and had . But I was a player on his team who needed help and he was able to provide it. Muhleman noted the drive that Richardson exhibited in his relentless pursuit of making Carolina the NFLs 29th franchise. Ralph Waclawicz/Call (212) 686-8900 or e-mail info@wireimage.com to license WireImage images. When players would get into trouble, Richardson would invite them to his home and make them sit in a formal room listening to the minutes tick away on a grandfather clock before Richardson was ready to see them. Early life and college [ edit] Richardson was born in Spring Hope, North Carolina. It was truly a special experience to play a part in the culmination of his efforts to bring football to the Carolinas. We wouldnt go into this if I didnt think we could do it, Richardson said at a Charlotte news conference on Dec. 15, 1987, when he officially announced his bid for an NFL expansion franchise. The Richardsons are both lifelong residents of North Carolina. Richardson was . 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. "And he went above and beyond to bring comfort to a family at its toughest time.". Former Panthers owner Jerry Richardson dead at 86 Along the way, decisions were made that changed the face of sports business. But Richardson still had the $4,864 bonus he earned from the Colts 1959 championship. He was 86. Richardson delivered an impassioned speech at the 2010 annual meetings, imploring owners to take back our league. But his hard-line tactics didnt sit well with all players, particularly after he was said to have spoken condescendingly toward Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Drew Brees during a negotiating session. Jerry Richardson, the Carolina Panthers founder and for years one of the NFLs most influential owners until a scandal forced him to sell the team, has died. Too brutal.. "As a former player himself, Jerry cared deeply about the welfare of players and the labor agreements he helped negotiate have led to improved pay and benefits for generations of players. In 1987, Richardson heard on the radio that businessman George Shinn had won his bid to bring an NBA franchise to Charlotte. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? He was 86. Please check your email for a confirmation. 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. 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 sold the team to Tepper, a hedge fund owner, in May 2018 for a then-NFL record $2.27 billion. "Jerry Richardson's contributions to professional football in the Carolina's are historic,'' current owners David and Nicole Tepper said in a statement. With the news also came a statement from current owner David Tepper and wife . It was expected at the time one of the boys might inherit the team, but that never happened. Nicole and I extend our deepest condolences to Rosalind, the entire Richardson family, and their loved ones. Richardson is survived by his wife, Rosalind, son Mark and daughter Ashley Richardson Allen. It was also reported he used a racial slur directed toward a team scout. The stadium was named "Jerry Richardson Stadium" after his donation of $10 Million. "Jerry Richardson's contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic," Panthers owners David and Nicole Tepper said in a statement. Rest up my friend!''. Foxs greatest success came in 2003, when a team with Jake Delhomme at quarterback and young stars like Steve Smith at wide receiver and Julius Peppers at defensive end made an unlikely run to the Super Bowl before losing on a last-second field goal to the New England Patriots, 32-29. Jerry Richardson, the founder of the American football team Carolina Panthers, has died at the age of 86. 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. He made his private plane available to tight end Greg Olsen before Olsens wife delivered a son who was born with a congenital heart defect. Jerry Richardson family: Who are wife Rosalind Sallenger Richardson and children Ashley, Jon and Mark? Jerry Richardson Wife, Children Richardson's marital status was married. Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson is "fired up" to work with Washington's new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Jerry Richardson Age, Wiki, Biography Richardson took that playoff bonus money and invested it into the restaurant business. Within hours of the report, Richardson announced his decision to sell the team. After a bad first half, Richardson caught several passes in the second half from Johnny Unitas and made the team. Facebook; Twitter; Facebook Messenger; Pinterest; Email; print; Carolina Panthers founder Jerry Richardson died Wednesday night at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina. Richardson served on several high-level owners committees, playing a key role in labor negotiations with the players' union. It ultimately took eight years from Richardson beginning the effort to the Panthers actually beginning play. It was expected at the time one of the boys might inherit the team, but that never happened. Winthrop actually couldn't have welcomed someone better for their future, despite the fact that she probably appeared to be just another student at the moment. Sports columnist Scott Fowler has written for The Charlotte Observer since 1994. "The Carolina Panthers are a testament to his extraordinary and tireless dedication to the community.But his league-first attitude as seen through his leadership of numerous NFL committees, including the Stadium Committee and Management Council Executive Committee, helped pave the way for a series of public-private stadium partnerships throughout the country, and collective bargaining agreements that continue to support the growth of the game. 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 The Carolina Panthers founder and former owner died on March 1, 2023. Florida. Because so many events in his life seemed to be marked by football time, the procedure began on Super Bowl Sunday, as the Steelers of his close friends the Rooney family were in the process of beating the Cardinals. The team said that moving the statue is in the interest of public safety. It has never returned. That concept was iffy enough that well-known oddsmaker Danny Sheridan gave Charlotte 50-1 odds of getting an NFL team in 1989. 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. Jerry Richardson and his wife donate $5 million to African-American But when you get to some of them, the word moves fast to the rest of them.. He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. The report alleged that Richardson had committed numerous instances of workplace misconduct, including sexual harassment, uttering a racial slur and asking some of his female employees if he could personally shave their legs., The report, which was substantiated by the NFLs ensuing probe, revealed that at least four former Panthers employees had received significant financial settlements from Richardson following his inappropriate behavior in exchange for what amounted to a vow of silence. It also noted that Fridays were Jeans Day at the Panthers offices, and that became fodder for many inappropriate comments by Richardson. Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera, who led Carolina to the Super Bowl in 2015, sent his condolences on Twitter. March 2, 2023 / 5:16 PM / AP. 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 . 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. The team reached the Super Bowl in the 2003 and 2015 seasons, but lost both times. We wish them much peace and comfort.. He ultimately became a millionaire and used that money to purchase the Panthers for $206 million. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton), Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme, left, talks with team owner Jerry Richardson, right, during the NFL team's football training camp in Spartanburg, S.C., on Saturday, July 26, 2008. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! Jerry Richardson Wife: Who Is Rosalind Sallenger Richardson? On Thursday afternoon, the Carolina Panthers announced the passing of team founder and former owner Jerry Richardson. One former female employee recalled Richardson arriving barefoot and asking for a foot massage.. But Richardson's 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. "I will always be grateful to him for the opportunity to coach the Carolina Panthers & for his patient, steadfast leadership during 7 seasons," Rivera said on social media. I work, I go home, he said. 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. In every case he had one purpose: asking for advice and learning what it was that was wanted from member teams and owners.. The financing plan got an enormous boost, however, due to the permanent-seat license (PSL) concept created by public relations guru Muhleman (who had also helped birth the Hornets). Richardsons mother, Mary, told The Observer in 1993 that her son was born after 17 hours of labor during a thunderstorm. Richardson took a lower public profile in later years as his gait and speech slowed he went nine years between press conferences at one point. The statue now resides in an undisclosed storage facility. 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. Richardson, after numerous accusations of workplace misconduct, sold the Panthers to Tepper back in 2018. Nicole and I extend our deepest condolences to Rosalind, the entire Richardson family, and their loved ones. This website uses cookies and similar technologies to ensure you get the best experience, including personalised content. "No one has done more for Wofford students. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? To see what the Panthers are today, that's truly a testament to his vision.". It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Catch up on the developing stories making headlines. Jerry Richardson, the founding owner of the Carolina Panthers, died Wednesday night at the age of 86, the team announced Thursday in a release on behalf of his family. He made the greatest gift in Wofford Colleges history in 2021 when he gave $150 million to the institution. https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/02/panthers-owner-david-tepper-jerry-richardson/, Report: Panthers free agent RB D'Onta Foreman expected to be 'hot commodity', Panthers legend Steve Smith Sr. officially opens mental health facility, Panthers OC Thomas Brown receives praise from 2023 NFL draft prospect, Will Levis: Breaking down film with Frank Reich, Panthers was fun, Panthers great Cam Newton honors late Jerry Richardson, Report: Panthers will not use franchise tag this offseason, Former Panthers react to passing of team founder Jerry Richardson, Report: Panthers inquire about trade for Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Biggest takeaways from the Panthers' combine media availability, 1 player Panthers fans should watch for each day of the combine, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The Panthers decided to charge for the right to buy season tickets in their proposed new stadium a radical idea that later helped build many other stadiums around the country. Richardson died peacefully Wednesday night at his Charlotte home, the team said in a statement. I've been told a lot of things.". 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. The following month the NFL fined Richardson $2.75 million for alleged workplace misconduct. 5:26 PM on Mar 2, 2023 CST. He was 86. Richardson was hospitalized in the year 2008 in Carolinas Medical Center. 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. Panthers owner David Tepper comments on Jerry Richardson's passing Richardson and Rosalind moved into an apartment close to Memorial Stadium in Baltimore with their infant son, Jon. He was a married man. Jansen Panettieres cause of death revealed by Hayden Panettiere and his family, Kris Jordan: Cause of death, age, ex-wife Melissa Jordan, children, net worth and more, Where to buy Atlanta Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson's Christmas cleats. Former Pro Bowl linebacker Thomas Davis, who played for Carolina from 2005 to 2018, summed up what many players thought of Richardson with this post on Instagram.