Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is a former NFL player who turned a $4744 championship bonus into a billion dollar fast food fortune. "Jerry Richardson's contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic," current Panthers owner David Tepper and his wife Nicole said in a statement. pic.twitter.com/9Cjn0PSYW2. 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. He gave me a chance when no one else would! Richardson is survived by his wife, Rosalind, son Mark and daughter Ashley Richardson Allen. To see what the Panthers are today, that's truly a testament to his vision.". Category: Richest Business. Former Panthers general manager Marty Hurney worked under Richardson from 2002-12 and then returned to the team in 2017 and worked four more years. Charlotte had already become a professional sports town with the arrival of the NBA's Hornets in 1988, but those were the days when the city struggled to build an identity as anything other than a regional outpost, still confused with Charleston, S.C. or Charlottesville, Va., and years from becoming a national banking center. 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. The NFL would independently investigate and substantiate many of the allegations raised by the magazine article while also uncovering similar matters that have not been the subject of public discussion, according to a 2018 NFL press release. "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. Date of Birth: Jul 11, 1936 (86 years old) A native son who was shaped by the region, his . Richardson was born in Spring Hope, North Carolina, in 1936. Jerry Richardson, Panthers founder and NFL power broker, dies at 86 Panthers founder Jerry Richardson passes away at 86 Too brutal.. 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. 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. Although Richardson once promised the Panthers would win a Super Bowl within 10 years of beginning play in 1995, they never did. That kind of attention to detail was not unlike his days as owner of the Panthers, in which he'd approve particulars of landscaping plans (native plants from each state on the north and south sides of the stadium to represent the two Carolinas) and the paint job on the field. Richardson served on several high-level owners committees, playing a key role in labor negotiations with the players' union. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL, 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. He sold the team to Tepper, a hedge fund owner, in May 2018 for a then-NFL record $2.27 billion. 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Playing for the Browns that day was offensive tackle Mike McCormack, whom Richardson would later hire as the Panthers first president. He was 86.. 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. The team called the statue a public safety hazard at the time, citing the nightly social justice marches then occurring in Charlotte. Richardsons mother, Mary, told The Observer in 1993 that her son was born after 17 hours of labor during a thunderstorm. Personal Life: Affair, Girlfriends, Wife, Kids. "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. NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? A bypass surgery in 2002 was just the beginning, and after years of treatments and other procedures, he received a heart transplant on Feb. 2, 2009, at Carolinas Medical Center. 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 reached the Super Bowl in the 2003 and 2015 seasons, but lost both times. 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. Richardson died peacefully Wednesday night at his Charlotte home, the team said in a statement. But his work was hailed in league circles as a member of the league's stadium committee, and one of commissioner Roger Goodell's close circle of trusted voices. Jerry Richardson, the founder of the American football team Carolina Panthers, has died at the age of 86. 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. How Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson Turned A $4,700 NFL Bonus Into A Mr. Richardson claims that Wofford has had the biggest impact on his achievement in life, with no other influence coming close. Chad Reuter provides a stock report from Indianapolis. 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 . The sale of the Panthers for a reported $2.275 billion followed the scandal that was uncovered by Sports Illustrated magazine in December 2017. His survivors include his wife Rosalind and two of their three children Mark and Ashley. The following month the NFL fined Richardson $2.75 million for alleged workplace misconduct. 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.". Within hours of the report, Richardson announced his decision to sell the team. Jerry Richardson is Businessman, public benefactor, former NFL player from Spring Hope, North Carolina, United States. Also Read: What is enlarged heart? He was 86. Richardson became the first former NFL player to own a team since the Bears George Halas when he landed the expansion Panthers in 1993. I was told, 'You can't make money selling hamburgers for 15 cents.' The NFL expansion process was painstaking. 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Richardsons bid for an NFL team had to at first beat out a competing bid for a Charlotte team from Shinn. The family is planning a private funeral service. Prosecutors dismissed domestic violence charges against Hardy after they said the accuser in the case couldnt be found. It didnt go well for Hornets, Galen Youngs family upset after the woman who caused his death gets no prison time, At age 72, Dom Capers looks back and forward as he rejoins the Carolina Panthers, An astonishing legacy: Steve Joyner has coached basketball for 45 years at J.C. Smith, An island of misfit toys: Reich and original Panthers had unforgettable year in 1995, Sources: Former Panthers coach Matt Rhule seeks $5 million from team in arbitration suit, Panthers founder, former owner Jerry Richardson leaves behind a complicated legacy, Carolina Panthers founder and former owner Jerry Richardson dies at 86, A controversial history: Timeline of Jerry Richardsons life, career and team ownership, Panthers great Greg Olsen named his son after late team owner Jerry Richardson, Social media recounts Jerry Richardsons Panthers legacy the good and the bad, Former Panthers coach, players react to Panthers founder Jerry Richardsons death, From the archives: Carolinas NFL dream comes true. 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. "I never thought about not getting a franchise," Richardson said, expressing his trademark confidence. He sold the team to Tepper, a hedge fund owner, in May 2018 for a then-NFL record $2.27 billion. But Richardsons tenure was marred by off-field issues. Conservative by nature, Richardson once cautioned Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton against getting tattoos and piercings after drafting the quarterback No. 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. In the late 1950s, Rosalind Sallenger Richardson studied at Winthrop University. After he had a heart transplant in Charlotte in 2009, Richardson lived for 14 more years. You'll now receive the top Panthers Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. "Jerry Richardson's contributions to professional football in the Carolina's are historic,'' current owners David and Nicole Tepper said in a statement. Richardson was . The Dallas Cowboys will place the franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard if the two sides cannot reach a long-term deal before March 7's deadline, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday, per sources. Jerry Richardson and his wife donate $5 million to African-American He made millions in the business world in the food business, but it was football that made him happy. I've been told a lot of things.". Before that, Richardson was revered for bringing the Panthers to the NFL in 1995 and helping the team reach Super Bowls after the 2003 and 2015 seasons. As the team's 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. He was not a close personal friend at the time. 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. 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. 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. An only child, Richardson had a modest upbringing. He calls and says, Jake, the sun came out today at my house, did it come out at yours?, Delhomme said Thursday. Jerry Richardson dies at 86; former NFL player was first owner of Richardsons tenure was marred by off-field issues. He took the money earned from that game and started the first Hardee's franchise in Spartanburg. He sold the team to Tepper, a hedge fund owner, in May 2018 for a then-NFL record $2.27 billion. With an emphasis on need-based monetary scholarships and opportunities for Wofford students, this contribution is intended for the colleges endowment. 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. "Condolences to Rosalind, Ashley, & Mark and the Richardson family.''. Together they have three children and their names are Ashley Richardson Allen, Mark, and Jon. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Jerry Richardsons contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic, current Panthers owner David Tepper and his wife Nicole said in a statement. 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 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. 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. 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). They would later marry and have three children. Mr. Richardson is a native Carolinian, whose dream was to bring NFL football and the world championship he knew as a player in the . Can the Lions fix their defense? 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. The stadium was named "Jerry Richardson Stadium" after his donation of $10 Million. It was also reported he used a racial slur directed toward a team scout. "I will always be grateful to him for the opportunity to coach the Carolina Panthers & for his patient, steadfast leadership during 7 seasons," Rivera posted. CHARLOTTE Jerry Richardson, the founder of the Carolina Panthers, passed away Wednesday night at age 86. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our. During its very 1st season, he triumphed over the NFL Super Bowl. Also Read: Kris Jordan: Cause of death, age, ex-wife Melissa Jordan, children, net worth and more. Career 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. The promise came close to coming true during the 2003 season. The braver players like linebacker Kevin Greene and Delhomme would call him Big Cat. He was Mister Richardson to nearly everyone else in the building at Bank of America Stadium, with many shortening that name to simply Mister when referring to the team owner. 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. They becamethe parents of three children. He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. 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. "I didn't know Mr. Richardson very well at all,'' Olsen said. The Olsens honored Richardson by naming their son T.J., short for Trent Jerry. Richardson had a unique style of dealing with players, but generally was well-liked by those who played and coached under him. Being born on 18 July 1936, Jerry Richardson is 86 years old as of today's date 2nd March 2023. Former Panthers owner Jerry Richardson dead at 86 The statue had become controversial following the workplace misconduct scandal that served to oust Richardson from his ownership of the Panthers and complicate his legacy. Richardson is survived by his wife, Rosalind, son Mark and daughter Ashley Richardson Allen. "No one has done more for Wofford students. He was 86. That would be real boring.. 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. Jerry Richardson Age, Net worth: Kids, Weight, Bio-Wiki, Wife 2023 Jerry Richardson Net Worth. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Carolina Panthers founder Jerry Richardson dies at 86 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. He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. He was 86. I said, Yes sir, it did. He said, thats a good thing everything will be OK. And then he hung up the phone.. "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. 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. Using his championship game bonus as seed money, he opened his first Hardee's restaurant in Spartanburg. He used his championship bonus money to open the first Hardees in Spartanburg, South Carolina close to where he had attended Wofford College. He died at his home in Charlotte on Wednesday night, the team said in a statement Thursday. Ralph Waclawicz/Call (212) 686-8900 or e-mail info@wireimage.com to license WireImage images. Jerry Richardson, Panthers founder and former owner, dies at 86, Jaxon Smith-Njigba wants to re-create connection with Bears QB Justin Fields, NFL Scouting Combine shifts mock draft, but Bears needs unchanged, QBs in NFL Draft in haze as Bears play poker with No. I work, I go home, he said. 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.. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? "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. 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. It was a stormy night, she said then. 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. 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. He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful.. On game days, he'd ride around Bank of America Stadium in his golf cart, greeting fans and taking pictures, relishing the moments. 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. The team reached the Super Bowl in the 2003 and 2015 seasons, but lost both times. Panthers owner David Tepper comments on Jerry Richardson's passing The resignations were a shocking development that left Richardson as the only family member involved in the teams day-to-day operations. He began to slow down as he entered his mid-60s, battling heart issues. 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. The founder and former owner of the Panthers passed away on Wednesday night. 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. The entire family lives in Charlotte. The scholarship was meant to honor his wife and her commitment to the arts. Who was Jerry Richardson? Cleveland Browns vs New Orleans Saints weather report: What is the temperature at FirstEnergy stadium? I am truly heartbroken and sad over the loss of my friend. 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.