Former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson died Wednesday night, the team announced Thursday. He sold the team to Tepper, a hedge fund owner, in May 2018 for a then-NFL record $2.27 billion. "The odds against us were huge. I was told I couldn't get my company on the New York Stock Exchange before I was 40. He was responsible for bringing the NFL to the Carolinas and was well known for his philanthropy, both in the Charlotte community and at Wofford, his alma mater where he established the teams training camp home. Subsequently, in February 2009, he underwent a heart transplant. How Jerry Jones' grandson helped the Dallas Cowboys select Texas LB Funeral Home website by. It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website, DELAVAN ~ Jerry Wayne Richardson, 77, of Delavan, passed away at 1:45 p.m. Saturday, August 27, 2022 in Canton. Richardson made around $1.1 billion as a result, but his reputation will likely be tarnished forever. Jon and Mark later resigned reportedly because they had philosophical differences and were clashing. pic.twitter.com/OK9c6QvG4g, Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) March 2, 2023. He retired in 1995. Richardson got retirement in 1995. Sign up for service and obituary updates. 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. Condolences to Rosalind, Ashley, (and) Mark and the Richardson family.. He believed in me when no one else did. Person. To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com. He was 86. He is now completely recovered after his heart transplant. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking and working in his yard. Richardson was chosen by ballot, in 2015, for the South Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. There, he began creating the emphasis on customer service that would carry over into his stewardship of his football team. Richardson remained out of public view after selling the team, continuing his charitable work and spending some time in his Charlotte office until his health declined. [23][24] In 2016 he funded the Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts, in honor of his wife of over sixty years, on the Wofford College campus. 25, 2023. Colts QB Anthony Richardson, 20, will bring a support system of family We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. The Panthers were the first team to employ the concept, and the influx of cash was crucial to privately financing what was then known as Carolinas Stadium. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 Thursday evening at the funeral home. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Irrelevant' pick on Toledo's Johnson, Chargers go all-in on TCU with Duggan pick in 7th, NFL Nation sizes up all 259 draft selections. 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. He was a graduate of Pocasset High School. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Flagstar was the subject of . 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. Messages run for up to one year and you 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. Former Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen, who played for Carolina from 2011 to 2019, revealed in a video message on Twitter that his son T.J., who was born with hypo-plastic left heart syndrome that initially required four open heart surgeries, was named in part after Richardson as the "J" is Jerry. The team did not reveal the cause of death. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. Consider offering these words of comfort if you're not sure what's appropriate. He went on to make his fortune in the restaurant business, becoming chief executive officer of Flagstar, the sixth-largest food service company in the country at the time. During its very 1st season, he triumphed over the NFL Super Bowl. ", "I will always be thankful to Mr. Richardson for providing me with the opportunity to play for the Panthers. It is the largest gift in Wofford's history. The Panthers issued a statement shortly after . was born in Norwich, Ks and graduated from Cheney High School in 1958. Richardson participates quite actively as an NFL team member. It was truly a special experience to play a part in the culmination of his efforts to bring football to the Carolinas. Additionally, he also bagged the record for receiving most touchdowns in a term, ceasing at 9 in 1958. . "And he went above and beyond to bring comfort to a family at its toughest time.". Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. In view of this fact, in 2002, he had to go for quadruple bypass surgery. Panthers founder, former owner Jerry Richardson dies at 86 Here's one of many reasons why, per the 2017 Sports Illustrated article that broke the story: "Friday was Jeans Day, when most staffers at the Carolina Panthers team offices would wear denim to work. He attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he was a star tight end, and still holds the school's single-game record for receiving yards (241 against Newberry College in 1956). Jon Richardson, the oldest son of Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, died Tuesday after a lengthy battle with cancer. As of May 2023, Richardson has an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion. Try a week on us. [7][8] On June 10, 2020, the statue was removed. Mar 2, 2023. Richardson said that he made the decision not to do so because "we do the right things. 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. 1 min read. According to sources, on multiple occasions Richardson requested female employees to visit him during a workday in his suite inside Bank of America Stadium. He was 86. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. She gave birth to three children Jon, Mark, and Ashley Richardson Allen. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Richardson family," the team said in a statement. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Harborton United Methodist Church, c/o Mary Ellen Belote, Post Office Box 5, Harborton, VA 23389. Landing spots for top undrafted free agents: Who signed after Round 7? pic.twitter.com/9Cjn0PSYW2. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Rosser Funeral Home. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. He initiated Flagstar Foods, which has turned out to be the 6th biggest food provision line in collaboration with one of his college mates Charlie Bradshaw. 162 overall) NFL Draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts. Photos: former Panthers owner's Celebration of Life. I'd been here for one season and we'd won six games. Being born on 18 July 1936, Jerry Richardson is 86 years old as of today's date 30th April 2023. 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. Jerry Richardson Obituary (1938 - 2023) - Legacy Remembers Career. 38 Trees, Flowers, or Condolences have been shared with support of Jerry's family -, 2023 Doughty Funeral Home. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. Enter On Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers took down the statue of founder and former owner Jerry Richardson and moved it to an undisclosed location. 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. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 Thursday evening at the funeral home. A native of Spring Hope, North Carolina, he played college football at Wofford and twice was a Little All-America selection. 1 overall in 2011 for fear it would impact his image. Here is one more despicable incident that allegedly occurred in the Panthers front office: "Richardson was also known for what multiple women call the 'seatbelt maneuver.' By Joseph Person and The Athletic Staff. Jerry. A native son who was shaped by the region, his . Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. "I'm really proud of him . Jerome Johnson Jerry Richardson, Sr. was born on July 18, 1936, in North Carolina, America. I was told, 'You can't make money selling hamburgers for 15 cents.' View photos of Richardson from the inaugural season in 1995 through decades of coaches and players in the Panthers community. Richardson, the owner and founder of the Carolina Panthers, announced he would be selling the team at the end of the 2017 . [9], For the most part Richardson stayed in the background and rarely interfered in the Panthers' day-to-day operations. "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. Allen was one of the few remaining holdovers from the Jerry Richardson/Super Bowl regime. The women would be escorted by Richardsons assistant, who would then depart, leaving the owner alone with a junior employee. As Panthers majority owner, Richardson was said to be a "champion of diversity", with African-American Cam Newton as starting quarterback and Hispanic Ron Rivera as head coach. 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 Panthers began play in 1995 and Richardson quickly built Carolina into one of the leagues model franchises, while becoming a powerful figure in the NFL. In 2000, wide receiver Rae Carruth, a former first-round draft pick, was convicted on a murder conspiracy charge in connection with the drive-by shooting death of his pregnant girlfriend. One former female employee recalls Richardson, who stands 6'3", arriving barefoot and asking for a foot massage. He was not a close personal friend at the time. Richardson stepped into NFL draft in 1959 and got selected in the thirteenth round by the supremacy victors the Baltimore Colts. Olsen and his wife Kara later named the child Trent Jerry Olsen after Richardson. 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. You have funeral questions, we have answers. 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. An All-SEC second team selection in 2022, Mingo adds to the Panthers receiving options. As the teams owner, Jerry Richardson, made his rounds on the way to his spacious office, he would ask women to turn around so he could admire their backsides. The gift is designated for the college's endowment with a focus on need-based financial scholarships and experiences for Wofford students. Former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson died Wednesday night, the team announced Thursday. FILE - Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson speaks during a news conference for the NFL football team in . Richardson never addressed the allegations against him publicly. A graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at 1:00 PM at Belle Haven Cemetery with Pastor Kendra Powell officiating. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Jerry Richardson, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Jon Richardson, the oldest son of Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, died Tuesday after a lengthy battle with cancer. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 21-14. Frustrated by slow NFL investigation, Jerry Richardson's accuser is speaking out again. [2] Richardson called being elected team captain in 1958 the greatest honor he had received. Published by Rosser Funeral Home - Cleburne on Apr. I am truly heartbroken and sad over the loss of my friend. He joined the Air Force in 1961. Jerry Don Richardson Obituary (AP Photo/Brandon Wade), Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, right, introduces the team's new coach, Ron Rivera, left, during a news conference in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011. Jerry Richardson, Sr. Funeral services for Jerry Floyd Richardson, Sr., 84, of Joshua, Texas will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Bethel Temple Assembly of God Church in Cleburne. Read what Scott Fitterer and Frank Reich said after Friday's second round. Richardson is survived by his wife, Rosalind, son Mark and daughter Ashley Richardson Allen. Jerry Richardson, Sr. Obituary 2023 - Rosser Funeral Home Richardson began the process of building a football team in July of 1987, when he met with former Bank of America CEO and Charlotte icon Hugh McColl to discuss his dream of bringing the sport to his home state. Turns out Deuce Vaughn wasn't the only Cowboys pick of the weekend who had a family connection in the Dallas draft room pulling for him. Jerry Jackson Richardson, 76, husband of Mary Catherine Spence Richardson and a resident of Melfa, VA, passed away Thursday, January 7, 2021, at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, VA. A native of Willis Wharf, VA, he was the son of the late Earlie Jackson Richardson and the late Nettie Parks Richardson. 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. He is a great supporter and motivator of his time who stays with them through thick and thin. In fact, Allen is Richardson's grandson. Due to the allegations made against Dan Snyder and the Washington football franchise, the removal of Jerry Richardson as the owner of the Carolina Panthers has been referenced numerous times in sports media as of late. Jerome J. Richardson was born July 18, 1936, in Spring Hope, N.C., the first step in a journey that would transform the Carolinas. Obituary. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. 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. '', We are saddened to hear about the passing of former owner Jerry Richardson. [2] He still holds Wofford's single-game record with 241 receiving yards vs. Newberry in 1956 and is the school's record holder for touchdown receptions in a season (9 in 1958) and in a career (21). (AP Photo/Chuck Burton). 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.". 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. No cause was given for Richardson's death. Says one such invitee: 'The first time, you thought it was an important meeting with the owner. He went to high school in Fayetteville. In 2006 and 2015, he was elected to the South Carolina Business and Sports Halls of Fame, respectively. While, in 1956, playing at Wofford College, he earned the record of a single game with 241 getting yards against Newberry. Jerry Richardsons contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic, Tepper said in a statement Thursday. He was 53. Panthers founder Jerry Richardson will not challenge statue removal After graduating he played two seasons in the NFL with the Baltimore Colts. "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. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images). 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.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.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. Jerry was born in Norwich, Ks and graduated from Cheney High School in 1958. 4 min read. Catch up on the developing stories making headlines. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. can stop at any time. We wish them much peace and comfort.". But I was a player on his team who needed help and he was able to provide it. to the family or plant a tree Jerry Richardson Obituary (1944 - 2021) | Melfa, Virginia - Echovita Ralph Waclawicz/Call (212) 686-8900 or e-mail info@wireimage.com to license WireImage images. If you do not know, We have prepared this article about details of Jerry Richardsons short biography-wiki, career, professional life, personal life, todays net worth, age, height, weight, and more facts. Ways to honor Jerry Richardson's life and legacy. Wofford College | The Remarkable Jerry Richardson in memory of Jerry Richardson, please visit our floral store. In addition, he also donated a hefty amount of wealth to fund the scholarships for the Johnson C. Smith University. In 2007, Richardson became an investor in a team that . Find the obituary of Jerry Richardson (1944 - 2021) from Melfa, VA. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. [20], Richardson and businessman Hugh McColl purchased the naming rights to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's football field in 2011. For instance, when he fired George Seifert after the 2001 season (in which the Panthers went 115), he went nine years before holding another press conference at which he took questions from the mediawhen he announced that John Fox's contract would not be renewed. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Carruth was imprisoned for 16 years. 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. Robinson was a two-time All-ACC first team selection that played at Florida State and South Carolina in his career. The Panthers fell to the Denver Broncos with a score of 2410. The lack of consistency was a source of irritation for 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. Along the way, decisions were made that changed the face of sports business. He still holds the school's single-game record for receiving yards (241 against Newberry in 1956), as well as records for touchdown receptions in a season (9) and career (21). Darin Gantt. His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 2, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Jerry is survived by his wife, Shirley Richardson of Joshua; sons, Jerry "Junior" Richardson, Jr. also of Joshua and Daniel Richardson and wife, LaTranda, of Burleson, Texas; daughters, Mary Ann Sanderson of Aledo, Texas and Paula Dunn of Joshua; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and other family members and friends. Jerry L. Richardson, 64, Leesburg, passed away, surrounded by a loving circle of family and dear friends, at 10:50 a.m. Friday, Jan. 8, following admission the previous morning at Kosciusko Community Hospital. No matter how much he has done for the Panthers franchise, it will always be undermined because of his past behavior. "He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. first published by Sports Illustrated near the end of the 2017 season, Person: It was past time for Panthers to take down the Jerry Richardson statue. Richardson leaves behind a complicated legacy. He is survived by wife, Kathleen; son, Johnson, and daughters Rose and Claire. His name is given to the 49ers Football stadium located at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte as a tribute by his fans. After graduating he played two seasons in . 2005 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game - Carolina Panthers vs New York Giants - January 8, 2006 Giants Stadium East Rutherford, New Jersey United States January 8, 2006 Photo by Ralph Waclawicz/WireImage.com, To license this image (6995493), contact WireImage: +1 212-686-8900 (tel) +1 212-686-8901 (fax) info@wireimage.com (e-mail) www.wireimage.com (web site), CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 28: Owner Jerry Richardson of the Carolina Panthers looks on before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 13, 2004 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jerry Richardson Net Worth 2023: Age, Height, Weight, Wife, Kids, Bio March 2, 2023, at 2:14 p.m. Panthers Founder, Former Owner Jerry Richardson Dies at 86. Obituary | Jerry Don Richardson Sr. | Wulf-Ast Mortuary Richardson served on several high-level owners committees, playing a key role in labor negotiations with the players union. When I went through my injuries and everyone told him it was time to move on and turn the page he said no. Read what national media sources wrote about the Panthers' full set of picks in the 2023 Draft. Jerry was a member of Pekin First Church of the Nazarene. "[11], It had long been presumed that Richardson intended to have his sons, Mark and Jon, inherit the team. Jerry was born on the 19th of August 1938 to Mr and Mrs Lawerance Richardson. He calls and says, Jake, the sun came out today at my house, did it come out at yours?, Delhomme told The Associated Press on Thursday. Jerry Richardson Obituary - Pekin, IL He caught a touchdown pass in the 1959 NFL Championship Game from quarterback Johnny Unitas. . His gifts to Wofford to date, including capital improvements, exceed $260 million. To send flowers [19] Two days later he was placed on a donor waiting list for a new heart. Panthers founder Jerry Richardson passes away at 86 Then, in his rolling Southern drawl, hed offer comment, drawing from a store of one-liners hed recycle each week. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas.