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. Richardson wanted $10,000 for the 61 season; the Colts offered $9,750. Richardson was . On game days, he'd ride around Bank of America Stadium in his golf cart, greeting fans and taking pictures, relishing the moments. Carruth was imprisoned for 16 years. 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). 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. Richardson was born in his familys home in Spring Hope, in the eastern part of North Carolina, on July 18, 1936. On Thursday afternoon, the Carolina Panthers announced the passing of team founder and former owner Jerry Richardson. Catch up on the developing stories making headlines. View photos of Richardson from the inaugural season in 1995 through decades of coaches and players in the Panthers community. 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. Heather ODonnell of the Chicago social services agency Thresholds says the money is an opportunity to really build up substance use care.. He never publicly explained the rift with his sons. He made millions in the business world in the food business, but it was football that made him happy. "Jerry Richardson's contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic," Panthers owners David and Nicole Tepper said in a statement. Prosecutors dismissed domestic violence charges against Hardy after they said the accuser in the case couldnt be found. 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 owned the franchise from its inception in 1995 until 2018 when he sold it to David and Nicole Tepper. When Carolina received an NFL team from the League in 1993, Richardson became the second former NFL player to hold the position of the owner. The team reached the Super Bowl in the 2003 and 2015 seasons, but lost both times. 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 said, Yes sir, it did. He said, thats a good thing everything will be OK. And then he hung up the phone.. The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation supported the first-of-its-kind in Mecklenburg County project, which offers urgent care for behavioral health needs. Deeply rooted in both Carolinas and once a wide receiver for the Baltimore Colts, Richardson persuaded the NFL to put an expansion team in Charlotte in 1993. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 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. He also had a policy where fans weren't allowed to remove their shirts during games. He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. Richardson didnt play much for Baltimore. Jerome J. Richardson was born July 18, 1936, in Spring Hope, N.C., the first step in a journey that would transform the Carolinas. Jerry Richardson and his wife donate $5 million to African-American You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! 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 . By then, the Panthers were playing their ninth NFL season. By then, Richardson had become a generally popular owner with his players and was doing the Panthers job full-time, having left the day-to-day restaurant business in 1995. Along the way, decisions were made that changed the face of sports business. The family did not own a car until Jerry Richardson was 16. Richardson was well liked by his players. 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 statue had become controversial following the workplace misconduct scandal that served to oust Richardson from his ownership of the Panthers and complicate his legacy. Carolina began play in 1995 and Richardson quickly built the Panthers into one of the leagues model franchises, while becoming a powerful figure in the NFL. Richardson never addressed the allegations against him publicly. Jerry Richardson's Wife, Marriage & Relationship Richardson is married to Rosalind Sallenger Richardson. 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. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! A public celebration of his life will be held at a later date, with details to follow. 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. 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. Richardson and Rosalind moved into an apartment close to Memorial Stadium in Baltimore with their infant son, Jon. "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. The Richardsons are both lifelong residents of North Carolina. The team said that "moving the statue is in the interest of public safety." Jerry Richardson entered Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, after completing high school in Fayetteville, North Carolina. I will always be grateful to him for the opportunity to coach the Carolina Panthers & for his patient, steadfast leadership during 7 seasons. Inaugural Keep Pounding High School Classic features Northwestern High School and Providence Day School. "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. Can the Lions fix their defense? 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. We are saddened to hear about the passing of former owner Jerry Richardson. The promise came close to coming true during the 2003 season. "The NFL community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jerry Richardson," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement Thursday. 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. Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson is "fired up" to work with Washington's new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Former Panthers owner Jerry Richardson dead at 86 Rosalind Sallenger Richardson. The concept was simple cheap hamburgers, served to the masses and wildly successful. He did so with lots of help, including the necessary financial backing from close friend and Charlotte mega-banker Hugh McColl Jr. Richardsons son Mark was also instrumental in the effort. 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. Being a part of the inaugural season is something that I will never forget. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott's cap hit might be rising in 2023, but owner Jerry Jones believes his quarterback has the ability to bridge the gap in any talent the roster might lose because of it. 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. Richardson was forced to sell the team to Tepper for a then NFL-record $2.275 billion after the 2017 season amid allegations of sexual and racial misconduct in the workplace. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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 knew that his physical presence inside a store had a way of motivating his employees. During its very 1st season, he triumphed over the NFL Super Bowl. 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. Richardson served on several high-level owners committees, playing a key role in labor negotiations with the players union. "Jerry Richardson's contributions to professional football in the Carolina's are historic,'' current owners David and Nicole Tepper said in a statement. 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. Stephanie & I were saddened to learn of the passing of Jerry Richardson, Rivera said on social media. It was also reported he used a racial slur directed toward a team scout. He calls and says, Jake, the sun came out today at my house, did it come out at yours?, Delhomme said Thursday. 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. We wish them much peace and comfort.". I have the ultimate American dream, it couldnt be better for me. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Mark Richardson was the team president and the heir apparent to his father, while the more laid-back Jon Richardson oversaw the stadium during its construction and operation. "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. For better or worse. Richardson called Archie Manning, Peytons father, to clear the air and believed the situation was overblown. All the other competitors at the time St. Louis, Baltimore, Jacksonville and Memphis had in place a rent-free stadium to be paid for by public funds. (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. He would still make his rounds on his golf cart before many home games, however, greeting fans, players and coaches and shaking their hands. Fowler has earned 20 national APSE writing awards and hosted The Observers podcast Carruth, which Sports Illustrated named 2018s Podcast of the Year. His new podcast and online series is called Sports Legends of the Carolinas and features 1-on-1 interviews with NC and SC sports icons. Jon, Mark, and Ashley Richardson Allen are her three children. Richardson built a food empire from scratch, starting the Hardees hamburger chain with $4,864 in 1961 with playoff bonus money he earned for playing on the Baltimore Colts 1959 NFL championship team. He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful.. Chad Reuter provides a stock report from Indianapolis. Richardson never addressed the allegations against him publicly. Richardson was hospitalized in the year 2008 in Carolinas Medical Center. 1 overall in 2011 for fear it would impact his image. Rosalind Sallenger, Richardsons wife, also studied at Winthrop University in the late 1950s. When I went through my injuries and everyone told him it was time to move on and turn the page he said no. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Jerry Richardson dies at 86; former NFL player was first owner of This website uses cookies and similar technologies to ensure you get the best experience, including personalised content. We wish them much peace and comfort.. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton). To see what the Panthers are today, that's truly a testament to his vision.". Though, he is 1.91 m tall, he weighs about 84 kg. 5:26 PM on Mar 2, 2023 CST. 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. 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.". Panthers owner David Tepper comments on Jerry Richardson's passing Category: Richest Business. The team said that moving the statue is in the interest of public safety. It has never returned. Jerry Richardsons contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic. His survivors include his wife Rosalind and two of their three children Mark and Ashley. He began to slow down as he entered his mid-60s, battling heart issues. Richardson took that playoff bonus money and invested it into the restaurant business. pic.twitter.com/9Cjn0PSYW2. We all felt his love, all felt his commitment, Greene said of Richardson. A family spokesman said Thursday that Richardson died peacefully last night at his Charlotte home.. We got love from a man that was my employer, my boss, not a close personal friend at the time, Olsen said. Richardsons playing career lasted only two seasons when he walked away from the game at 25 following a dispute over $250. 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. The Panthers' 2017 Tree Lighting at Bank of America Stadium. But until Oct. 26, 1993 the day Richardson was awarded the NFL's 29th franchise it was all still a dream, to everyone but Richardson. After the Panthers clinched the NFC South during their second Super Bowl season in 2015, quarterback Cam Newton got Richardson to dab during a raucous locker-room celebration in New Orleans. The Panthers began playing in 1995 and Richardson owned them until 2018, when he sold the team under pressure to current owner David Tepper. 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 was able to become the player that I became because of him, because he encouraged and motivated me to Keep Pounding. He married Rosalind Sallenger Richardson. ", "Jerry Richardson gave me my first opportunity to be a head coach, and I'll always be thankful for that. It was a stormy night, she said then. 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. "His generosity will benefit future generations," Wofford athletics director Richard Johnson said. 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. 1 pick, Jalen Carter arrest throws Bears a hittable curve, NFL Combine notes: Illini CB Witherspoon the complete package, Trade down? 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. A new home for Michael Thomas? Mar 02, 2023 at 01:47 PM. Jerry Richardson, the self-made millionaire who brought the NFL to Charlotte and founded the Carolina Panthers, died Wednesday. It was truly a special experience to play a part in the culmination of his efforts to bring football to the Carolinas. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton), NFL comissioner Roger Goodell, left, and Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson walk together during a break at an NFL owners meeting in Irving, Texas, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015. The magazines investigation portrayed Richardson as an owner who acted inappropriately with a number of his female employees and also directed a racial slur at an African-American scout employed by the Panthers. But after his second season, he walked away from the NFL in a dispute over money, and returned to Spartanburg to start his business career. 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 . Although Richardson once promised the Panthers would win a Super Bowl within 10 years of beginning play in 1995, they never did. Date of Birth: Jul 11, 1936 (86 years old) Carolina earned high marks in several key areas in survey, which rated various aspects of players' experience from strength coaches and the locker room to treatment of families. 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 never addressed the allegations against him publicly. Panthers founder, former owner, Baltimore Colts player Jerry Richardson His other son, Jon, died in 2013 at age 53 after a lengthy battle with cancer. 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 In 2009, he had a successful heart transplant at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. "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. In 2000, wide receiver Rae Carruth, the teams first-round draft pick in 1997, was convicted on a murder conspiracy charge in connection with the drive-by shooting death of his pregnant girlfriend. The family did not list a cause of death. He fired a number of Richardson-era employees after his purchase and also quickly changed the 50-yard line symbol to the Panthers logo. Jon Richardson died of cancer in 2013. He chaired the labor committee during the 2011 lockout before owners and players agreed on a 10-year collective bargaining agreement that ended the longest work stoppage in NFL history. We wish them much peace and comfort.". He is survived by his wife Rosalind Sallenger Richardson and three children Ashley, Jon, and Mark. 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). It was expected at the time one of the boys might inherit the team, but that never happened. 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. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? "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. Olsen and his wife Kara later named the child Trent Jerry Olsen after Richardson. Pictures of Richardson holding babies or showing up at pre-game tailgates made their rounds on social media before most games. "Condolences to Rosalind, Ashley, & Mark and the Richardson family.''. Former Carolina Panthers owner, Wofford grad Jerry Richardson dies He used his championship bonus money to open the first Hardees in Spartanburg, South Carolina close to where he had attended Wofford College. Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson waves to the Panthers fans during warmups prior to their playoff game against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on January 08, 2006. "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.