Jerry Richardson Net Worth. Inaugural Keep Pounding High School Classic features Northwestern High School and Providence Day School. He used his championship bonus money to open the first Hardees in Spartanburg, South Carolina close to where he had attended Wofford College. When I went through my injuries and everyone told him it was time to move on and turn the page he said no. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 53 after a protracted fight with cancer. Career Richardson stepped into NFL draft in 1959 and got selected in the thirteenth round by the supremacy victors the Baltimore Colts. The following month the NFL fined Richardson $2.75 million for alleged workplace misconduct. The team reached the Super Bowl in the 2003 and 2015 seasons, but lost both times. The Panthers head coach knows that is complicated since they're picking ninth, but made it clear his preference would be to find a rookie quarterback and build. 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. When linebacker Thomas Davis retired in 2021, he thanked Richardson for believing in him and keeping him on the roster despite having suffered three torn ACLs in the same knee. 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. But Richardsons tenure was marred by off-field issues. '', We are saddened to hear about the passing of former owner Jerry Richardson. 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!. When Greene was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016, he mentioned Richardson and his deep love for his Panthers players in his speech. . "Jerry Richardson brought NFL football to the Carolinas!'' I said, Yes sir, it did. He said, thats a good thing everything will be OK. And then he hung up the phone.. We are saddened to hear about the passing of former owner Jerry Richardson. After a bad first half, Richardson caught several passes in the second half from Johnny Unitas and made the team. Rajeeta Kochhar? Richardson was . 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/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. Facebook; Twitter; Facebook Messenger; Pinterest; Email; print; Carolina Panthers founder Jerry Richardson died Wednesday night at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. He was not a close personal friend at the time. 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. Richardson didnt play much for Baltimore. The NFL expansion process was painstaking. Nicole and I extend our deepest condolences to Rosalind, the entire Richardson family, and their loved ones. Conservative by nature, Richardson once cautioned Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton against getting tattoos and piercings after drafting the quarterback No. 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. About the time he came into this world, thunder burst and lightning flashed. Richardsons playing career lasted only two seasons when he walked away from the game at 25 following a dispute over $250. He was 86. 32 NFL players who could change teams this offseason, Disputed loan at center of Commanders probe, amid allegations of sexual and racial workplace misconduct, More than 25 years experience covering NFL, college football and NASCAR. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 21-14. He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. Richardson had a unique style of dealing with players, but generally was well-liked by those who played and coached under him. Within hours of the Sports Illustrated report, Richardson announced that he would sell the Panthers. 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. "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. They played miniature golf in Myrtle Beach on their first date. The Carolina Panthers defeated the New York Giants 23 to 0. There, he began creating the emphasis on customer service that would carry over into his stewardship of his football team. Prosecutors dismissed domestic violence charges against Hardy after they said the accuser in the case couldnt be found. But Richardson also showed compassion for his players. 1:08 Jerry Richardson, founder of the Carolina Panthers, has died. It was also reported he used a racial slur directed toward a team scout. The team reached the Super Bowl in the 2003 and 2015 seasons, but lost both times. If wed known then how long it would take, we never would have done it, Richardson said in 1995, on the eve of the Panthers first game. 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 was told I couldn't get my company on the New York Stock Exchange before I was 40. He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. 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. 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. . To see what the Panthers are today, that's truly a testament to his vision.". Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is a former NFL player who turned a $4744 championship bonus into a billion dollar fast food fortune. Nicole and I extend our deepest condolences to Rosalind, the entire Richardson family, and their loved ones. 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. 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. "I didn't pay any attention to it. That got Richardson seriously thinking about trying to bring an NFL team to Charlotte. But Richardson still had the $4,864 bonus he earned from the Colts 1959 championship. Condolences to Rosalind, Ashley, & Mark and the Richardson family.. That concept was iffy enough that well-known oddsmaker Danny Sheridan gave Charlotte 50-1 odds of getting an NFL team in 1989. He fired a number of Richardson-era employees after his purchase and also quickly changed the 50-yard line symbol to the Panthers logo. He overcame prostate cancer and underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2002. 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. ", "Jerry Richardson gave me my first opportunity to be a head coach, and I'll always be thankful for that. Fox said from the NFL combine in Indianapolis. He has authored or co-authored eight books, including four about the Carolina Panthers. Richardson never addressed the allegations against him publicly. I will always remember him, as will millions in his beloved Carolinas, as the father of NFL football in these sister states, said Max Muhleman, a public-relations specialist who worked closely with Richardson for years. For better or worse. "He called me and told my wife and I to meet him at the airport, and he put us on his plane and took us up to Boston Children's Hospital to make sure we got the best care and the best team to look at him. Olsen and his wife Kara later named the child Trent Jerry Olsen after Richardson. The team said that moving the statue is in the interest of public safety. It has never returned. Richardson served on several high-level owners committees, playing a key role in labor negotiations with the players' union. With an emphasis on need-based monetary scholarships and opportunities for Wofford students, this contribution is intended for the colleges endowment. No cause was given for Richardson's death. Heather ODonnell of the Chicago social services agency Thresholds says the money is an opportunity to really build up substance use care.. The concept was simple cheap hamburgers, served to the masses and wildly successful. 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. 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. Nicole and I extend our deepest condolences to Rosalind, the entire Richardson family, and their loved ones. Cleveland Browns vs New Orleans Saints weather report: What is the temperature at FirstEnergy stadium? 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. Richardson took that playoff bonus money and invested it into the restaurant business. CHARLOTTE, N.C -- 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. I've been told a lot of things.". This website uses cookies and similar technologies to ensure you get the best experience, including personalised content. "I was able to become the player that I became because of him, because he encouraged and motivated me to Keep Pounding. Richardson is survived by his wife, Rosalind, son Mark and daughter Ashley Richardson Allen. Together they have three children and their names are Ashley Richardson Allen, Mark, and Jon. We wish them much peace and comfort.". The scholarship was meant to honor his wife and her commitment to the arts. He was 86. 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. Richardson called Archie Manning, Peytons father, to clear the air and believed the situation was overblown. 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. Sister-in-law never calls her late husbands sister and is dismissive of her grief. 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. In 2009, he had a successful heart transplant at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. With the news also came a statement from current owner David Tepper and wife . He also had a policy where fans weren't allowed to remove their shirts during games. 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.. That never deterred me. Jerry Richardson Wife, Children Richardson's marital status was married. On game days, he'd ride around Bank of America Stadium in his golf cart, greeting fans and taking pictures, relishing the moments. Theres nothing Id rather do with my time than be supportive of the Carolina Panthers.. Catch up on the developing stories making headlines. A native son who was shaped by the region, his . I dont know whether youd call it stubbornness or not, Richardson later told the Observer. 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. He was my boss. And he went above and beyond to bring love and comfort to a family at its toughest time.". Jon Richardson died of cancer in 2013. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? 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. Also Read: Who was Jerry Richardson? Also Read: What is enlarged heart? 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 . 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The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 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. Wofford offered Richardson a partial scholarship worth less than $300, and he took it. As a football fan, he has naming rights to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's football field. He gave me a chance when no one else would! 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. In every case he had one purpose: asking for advice and learning what it was that was wanted from member teams and owners.. Richardson was well liked by his players. Richardson was rarely one to back down from a challenge, but there were some challenges he couldn't overcome by sheer force of will and determination. They kept opening more and more Hardees, with Richardson before long a multi-millionaire taking a hands-on approach to the business many times. Sports columnist Scott Fowler has written for The Charlotte Observer since 1994. He was 86. He believed in me when no one else did. "On the NFL's behalf, I extend our sincere condolences to Jerry's wife, Rosalind, and their family.". Richardson became the first former NFL player to own a team since Chicago's George Halas when he landed the expansion Panthers in 1993. 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. Along the way, decisions were made that changed the face of sports business. We wish them much peace and comfort.. Richardson was born in Spring Hope, North Carolina, in 1936. Jaguars won't spend big, but here are five players they could target in free agency. 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. Carruth was imprisoned for 16 years. Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson is "fired up" to work with Washington's new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Richardson is survived by his wife, Rosalind, son Mark and daughter Ashley Richardson Allen. 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. 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. He made millions in the business world in the food business, but it was football that made him happy. Rosalind Sallenger, Richardsons wife, also studied at Winthrop University in the late 1950s. 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.