Well, if youre ready, lets start. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. Jerry was born on the 19th of August 1938 to Mr and Mrs Lawerance Richardson. Jerry was born in Norwich, Ks and graduated from Cheney High School in 1958. He is now completely recovered after his heart transplant. 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. In view of this fact, in 2002, he had to go for quadruple bypass surgery. Darin Gantt. He was my boss. Unfortunately, his disgusting behavior didn't stop there. He would invite female employees out to lunch, and in keeping with his reputation as a self-styled gentleman, he would open the car door for his guests. [22], In 2000, Richardson was elected into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Additionally, he also bagged the record for receiving most touchdowns in a term, ceasing at 9 in 1958. In 2009, he had a successful heart transplant at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. [26][27], Richardson died at home in Charlotte on March 1, 2023, at age 86. [25], In 2021, he donated $150 million to Wofford College. Jerry Don Richardson Sr. age 82, went to the big mountain in the sky on the 29th of March 2021. Jerry was a member of Bethel Temple for 30 years. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Jon Richardson died of cancer in 2013. According to Richardson, Wofford has been the greatest influence in success in his life, with no other influence "even close". Burial will be at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin. The two ended up owning the Hardee's business 50/50. Jerry and Shirley . Let others know about your loved one's death. in memory of Jerry Richardson, please visit our floral store. 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. The amazingly successful career of Jerome Johnson "Jerry" Richardson '59 is a story for the ages. Good scout, good guy." (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. That may have proven to be the most shrewd business move he made. Jerry was a member of Pekin First Church of the Nazarene. Jets' Aaron Rodgers expects a 'heaven' and 'hell' relationship with Zach Wilson, Top picks Christian Gonzalez, Keion White reflect Patriots' ideal identity, Big takeaways from the NFL draft: A historic QB class, the rebuilt AFC South and new GMs thriving, XFL semifinals: Defenders roll Sea Dragons, set up title showdown with Renegades, Bijan Robinson shares that this is his second stint with the Falcons. 4 min read. Richardson participates quite actively as an NFL team member. "I never thought about not getting a franchise," Richardson said, expressing his trademark confidence. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. A statue of Richardson was placed at the North Gate of Bank of America Stadium in 2016, designed by a prominent designer Todd Andrews. "We are very saddened to learn of the passing of . There, he began creating the emphasis on customer service that would carry over into his stewardship of his football team. Richardson made around $1.1 billion as a result, but his reputation will likely be tarnished forever. He was born in Snyder, Oklahoma on October 15, 1938, the son of Mae (Gentry) and James Richardson. After great interest from the market, in May 2018 Richardson finalized a sale to billionaire and then Pittsburgh Steelers minority owner David Tepper for an NFL record sales price of $2.2 billion. His brother, Mark, also served as team president during that same time frame. Richardson didn't stop there, either. But as he stepped back from some of his day-to-day work with the team, his influence within the NFL remained large. After taking wide receiver Jonathan Mingo and outside linebacker DJ Johnson Friday, they go into the third day of the draft with two more picks. VA and Christina Beauchamp-Nicoll (Scott) of Smicksburg, PA. In June 2020, Tepper had the statue of Richardson removed from outside of Bank of America Stadium. [2] Richardson called being elected team captain in 1958 the greatest honor he had received. He went to high school in Fayetteville. Afterward, he got an enrollment at Wofford College in Spartanburg, where he turned out to be a football player. Photos of Jerry Richardson throughout his time with the Panthers. He was 53. They addressed a number of key spots throughout the weekend, and head coach Frank Reich said he's excited to see guys compete for jobs under a new staff. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. 3 min read. A native son who was shaped by the region, his . She survives. We got love from a man that was my employer, my boss, not a close personal friend at the time, Olsen said. He later was the CEO of Flagstar, which was the sixth largest food service company in the United States, controlling 2,500 restaurants and providing jobs for 100,000 employees. Funeral Home website by. [4], After his NFL career, Richardson used his 1959 NFL championship bonus with the help of friend and former Wofford quarterback Charles Bradshaw to open the first Hardee's franchise in Spartanburg. [1] Richardson was an Associated Press Little All-American selection in 1957 and 1958. 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. Obituary. During its very 1st season, he triumphed over the NFL Super Bowl. He received a new heart on February 1, 2009, and fully recovered from the transplant operation. Landing spots for top undrafted free agents: Who signed after Round 7? 38 Trees, Flowers, or Condolences have been shared with support of Jerry's family -, 2023 Doughty Funeral Home. 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. 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. He Also surviving are three sons, Randall Richardson of Delavan, Tony (April) Richardson of Green Valley and Terry (Sarah) Richardson of Canton; two grandsons, Dalton Richardson of Pekin and Corey Richardson of Canton; one step grandson, Colton Etter; one sister, Carolyn (Gene) Allen of Lincoln and one brother, Bobby Richardson of Bush. 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. Then, in his rolling Southern drawl, hed offer comment, drawing from a store of one-liners hed recycle each week. You have funeral questions, we have answers. 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. Here is another account from the article that described the sickening acts that were allegedly committed by Richardson: "Former employees allege that in addition to verbal harassment, Richardson engaged in improper acts. He is also survived by nine grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Richardson, in 2011, took part greatly in locking out the NFL players as well as in conferring an agreement for fresh players. Among those in heaviest rotation: Show me how you wiggle to get those jeans up. 2h ago. Jerome Johnson Richardson Sr. (July 18, 1936 March 1, 2023) was an American businessman, football player, and owner in the National Football League (NFL). Jerry had worked as a machinist at Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria for 31 years, retiring in 1998. 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. Two years after former Panthers owner Jerry Richardson was forced to sell the team amid allegations of sexual . 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. Frustrated by slow NFL investigation, Jerry Richardson's accuser is speaking out again. Subsequently, in February 2009, he underwent a heart transplant. "I was able to become the player that I became because of him, because he encouraged and motivated me to Keep Pounding. Burial will be at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin. "[11], It had long been presumed that Richardson intended to have his sons, Mark and Jon, inherit the team. He was 86. He is also known as Big Cat. 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. "Panthers and pro personnel director Matt Allen have agreed to part ways, per team sources. One former female employee recalls Richardson, who stands 6'3", arriving barefoot and asking for a foot massage. [21] The stadium was named Jerry Richardson Stadium in 2013 after an additional $10 million donation. The business expanded rapidly under his hands-on management style. 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. After graduating he played two seasons in . That allegiance to the league and his status within it also made him one of the lead voices for owners in the 2010 labor negotiations, in which he famously and sometimes profanely clashed with players across the table including Peyton Manning. His gifts to Wofford to date, including capital improvements, exceed $260 million. 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.' 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. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Richardson family," the team said in a statement. Robert "Jerry" Richardson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2021 at the age of 82 with his loving family by his side. Draft Wire. 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 women would be escorted by Richardsons assistant, who would then depart, leaving the owner alone with a junior employee. Honors he received while at Wofford included Distinguished Military Student, Scabbard and Blade Military Fraternity, Sigma Delta Psi, Blue Key National Honorary Fraternity, and recognition in Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges. The team reached the Super Bowl in the 2003 and 2015 seasons, but lost both times. Scott Wachter/USA TODAY Sports. Jets' Aaron Rodgers expects a 'heaven' and 'hell' relationship with Zach Wilson, Top picks Christian Gonzalez, Keion White reflect Patriots' ideal identity, Big takeaways from the NFL draft: A historic QB class, the rebuilt AFC South and new GMs thriving, XFL semifinals: Defenders roll Sea Dragons, set up title showdown with Renegades, Bijan Robinson shares that this is his second stint with the Falcons. 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. 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. Mar 2, 2023. Jerry was raised around Chicksha, OK. As Richardson was applying for ownership, his company faced legal trouble. With the Washington football team's allegations being compared to these incidents, it is important to remind ourselves to call out sexual harassment whenever it occurs in our presence, especially in a business setting. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. Richardson said that he made the decision not to do so because "we do the right things. He caught a touchdown pass in the 1959 NFL Championship Game from quarterback Johnny Unitas. "I'm really proud of him . Jerry Richardson. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. [9], For the most part Richardson stayed in the background and rarely interfered in the Panthers' day-to-day operations. By Joseph Person and The Athletic Staff. They, however, remained part of the ownership group. In 2006 and 2015, he was elected to the South Carolina Business and Sports Halls of Fame, respectively. "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. FILE - Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson speaks during a news conference for the NFL football team in . Jerry and Shirley Richardson were married on October 30, 1964 in Fort Worth, Texas. Jerry Richardson, the founder and former owner of the Carolina Panthers died at the age of 86 on Wednesday night, the team announced. Rest up my friend!''. [19] Two days later he was placed on a donor waiting list for a new heart. Most recently, Richardson's statue was removed from Bank of America Stadium, which is a testament to how far the Panthers founder has fallen in the eyes of our society. Tight end Will Mallory is a fifth-round (No. [15] At the company's expense, the Panthers transported and housed a majority of their employees at the Super Bowl. Panthers' owner's oldest son, Jon, dies at 53, LB Barrett's 2-year-old daughter drowns in pool, Deion 'ashamed' after only 1 HBCU player drafted, Sources: NFL eyes May 11 to release schedule, Teams set NFL record with 43 trades during draft, Jets coach Saleh: Rodgers making 'presence felt', Cowboys scout emotional as team drafts his son, Rams use 'Mr. 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. Jerome Johnson Jerry Richardson, Sr. was born on July 18, 1936, in North Carolina, America. To see what the Panthers are today, that's truly a testament to his vision.". Jerry Wayne Richardson, 77, of Delavan, passed away at 1:45 p.m. Saturday, August 27, 2022 in Canton. "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. Fox said from the NFL combine in Indianapolis. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. 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. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Rosser Funeral Home. Jerry Richardson passed away Friday, April 21, 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas. pic.twitter.com/OK9c6QvG4g, Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) March 2, 2023. Photos: former Panthers owner's Celebration of Life. 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. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 25, 2023. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. His height is 1.91 m tall, and his weight is 84kg. His height is 1.91 m tall, and his weight is 84 kg. Then he joined the United States Airforce from. The team did not reveal the cause of death. He served his country in the United States Army and retired as a machinist from Lockheed Martin. Career. He moved to Guthrie in 1971. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. "Jerry Richardson's contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic," Panthers owners David and Nicole Tepper said in a statement. Memorial contributions may be given to Pekin First Church of the Nazarene, 3514 Broadway Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554. Be the first to post a memory or condolences. On Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers took down the statue of founder and former owner Jerry Richardson and moved it to an undisclosed location. 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). He contributed a lot to the main character as being the CEO of the NFL, who, in 2011, made it to the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the National Football League Players Association. He was 86. . [18], A 13-foot (4.0m) statue of Richardson holding a football and flanked by two panthers was unveiled at Bank of America Stadium in 2016; it was a gift from the Panthers LLC minority partners to Richardson for his 80th birthday. [5], On October 26, 1993, Richardson became the first former NFL player since George Halas to become an owner when the Carolina Panthers were unanimously awarded the NFL's 29th franchise. This statue is the representation of a gift of NFL to the Carolinian public. Landing spots for top undrafted free agents: Who signed after Round 7? He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. Pastor W. Lloyd Brock will officiate. 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 1993, toward the end of his career, Richardson and several investors paid the NFL $206 million to create the Carolina Panthers as an expansion team. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. I've been told a lot of things.". He was 86. Jon Richardson was president of Panthers Stadium LLC from 1994 (the year before the expansion Panthers began play) until 2009. 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. 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. We wish them much peace and comfort., .@nflcommish on the passing of Jerry Richardson. "I didn't know Mr. Richardson very well at all,'' Olsen said. 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. In 2007, Richardson became an investor in a team that . This was one of many cases in which Richardson engaged with sexual harassment with female workers. 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. Read what the national media said about Carolina's second and third picks. The 6-5, 245-pound . He was a great friend of many people throughout the organization and played an integral role in the history of the Panthers in the building of Bank of America Stadium. No matter how much he has done for the Panthers franchise, it will always be undermined because of his past behavior. The bad stretch for statues of old southern men rolls on. New Colts QB Anthony Richardson will bring family and friends with him to Indianapolis, not because he's only 20, but because this is a package deal. Jon Richardson was a two-year starter at wide receiver for the University of North Carolina. [10], One of the few times in which he directly intervened in football matters came in the 201415 offseason, when he refused to re-sign player Greg Hardy in the wake of domestic violence events involving Hardy. "He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. 77. He was traded from the Colts to the New York Giants for John Guzik on August 3, 1961. It's not a stretch to say the swirl involving Gruden resurrects memories connected to former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson and allegations of racism in his personal life and the restaurant empire he once owned. Robinson was a two-time All-ACC first team selection that played at Florida State and South Carolina in his career. It was truly a special experience to play a part in the culmination of his efforts to bring football to the Carolinas. Richardsons tenure was marred by off-field issues. 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. "The odds against us were huge. He used his championship bonus money to open the first Hardees in Spartanburg, South Carolina close to where he had attended Wofford College. In addition, he also played in the NFL for the Baltimore Colts. Read what Scott Fitterer, Frank Reich, and draft picks had to say during the final day of the NFL Draft. A native of Spring Hope, North Carolina, he played college football at Wofford and twice was a Little All-America selection. Sign up for service and obituary updates. March 2, 2023, at 2:14 p.m. Panthers Founder, Former Owner Jerry Richardson Dies at 86.