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 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. While hitchhiking with some Wofford friends at Pawleys Island, S.C., during the summer of 1957, he met a Winthrop student and former Florence High cheerleader named Rosalind Sallenger. Within hours of the report, Richardson announced his decision to sell the team. 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. All about former Carolina Panthers owners, net worth, statue, scandals and more. 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. What will the Buffalo Bills do without defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier? And he went above and beyond to bring love and comfort to a family at its toughest time.". Too grueling. 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. The third head coach Richardson hired was John Fox in 2002, who would last for nine years before Richardson fired him and hired Ron Rivera following the 2010 season. The NFL expansion process was painstaking. 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. 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. Wofford offered Richardson a partial scholarship worth less than $300, and he took it. Richardson was hospitalized in the year 2008 in Carolinas Medical Center. Jerry Richardson is Businessman, public benefactor, former NFL player from Spring Hope, North Carolina, United States. But his fourth-quarter, 12-yard TD catch from Unitas gave the Colts a 21-9 lead in a game they would win 31-16. 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 Richardsons tenure was marred by off-field issues. Richardson took that playoff bonus money and invested it into the restaurant business. Photos: Carolina Panthers founder, former owner Jerry Richardson over the years, Support my work with a digital subscription, A nervous Kevin Durant debuts for Phoenix in Charlotte. 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. To see what the Panthers are today, that's truly a testament to his vision.". "Jerry Richardson's contributions to professional football in the Carolina's are historic,'' current owners David and Nicole Tepper said in a statement. Richardson served on several high-level owners committees, playing a key role in labor negotiations with the players union. 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. 1 pick, Jalen Carter arrest throws Bears a hittable curve, NFL Combine notes: Illini CB Witherspoon the complete package, Trade down? Richardson said in 2018 his greatest mission in life was bringing the NFL to the Carolinas. 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. The Carolina Panthers founder and former owner died on March 1, 2023. Jerry Richardson Wife: Who Is Rosalind Sallenger Richardson? Richardson died peacefully Wednesday night at his Charlotte home, the team said in a statement. People had said it was 150-to-1, 200-to-1. 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. Jerry Richardson entered Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, after completing high school in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Richardson knew that his physical presence inside a store had a way of motivating his employees. Within hours of the Sports Illustrated report, Richardson announced that he would sell the Panthers. 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. Rosalind Sallenger Richardson. Carruth was imprisoned for 16 years. 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. 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. Here you will get Jerry Richardson's net worth, weight, height net worth, girlfriend, educational qualification and complete bio. But Richardson also showed compassion for his players. Richardsons mother, Mary, told The Observer in 1993 that her son was born after 17 hours of labor during a thunderstorm. 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. Richardsons legacy was forever changed when Sports Illustrated magazine published an investigative report just minutes before kickoff on a Sunday the Panthers were hosting the Green Bay Packers Dec. 17, 2017. He served on some of the league's most prestigious committees and had become one of the more powerful owners. "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. He was a loyal member of the league, and painted "The Shield" logo at the 50-yard-line of his home field throughout his tenure as owner. Scoring in a world championship game is about the ultimate as far as a player is concerned.. 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.". Jerry Richardson Net Worth. Mr. Richardson claims that Wofford has had the biggest impact on his achievement in life, with no other influence coming close. Richardson packed up, left the Colts training camp and pointed his Oldsmobile station wagon toward the Carolinas. Former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson has died at age 86. I've been told a lot of things.". We wish them much peace and comfort.". Richardson had a pacemaker/defibrillator inserted in his heart in 2008, and doctors told him he would need a heart transplant. "I didn't pay any attention to it. Pictures of Richardson holding babies or showing up at pre-game tailgates made their rounds on social media before most games. He was a married man. Please check your email for a confirmation. Panthers founder Jerry Richardson dies at 86, Jones: Not fixated on Cowboys' drought, just '23, Sources: Raiders plan franchise tag for Jacobs, WR Addison to Steelers' Pickett: 'Come get me', Wolverines' Turner wows with 4.26 40 at combine, Top QB prospect Levis eager to unleash 'cannon', QB Bennett addresses off-field issues at combine, Campbell: Lamar wants deal done with Ravens, Alabama QB Young undeterred by size questions, The future of the NFL combine: Is there really a chance it could end forever? Panthers founder, former owner, Baltimore Colts player Jerry Richardson As a football fan, he has naming rights to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's football field. During its very 1st season, he triumphed over the NFL Super Bowl. I have the ultimate American dream, it couldnt be better for me. "I never thought about not getting a franchise," Richardson said, expressing his trademark confidence. "He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. ", "Jerry Richardson gave me my first opportunity to be a head coach, and I'll always be thankful for that. 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. Even in his later years, Richardsons posture showcased what Muhleman called a flawless vertical carriage that made him the tallest 6-foot-3 on the planet.. 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 was 86.. This website uses cookies and similar technologies to ensure you get the best experience, including personalised content. ''I'm literally at a loss of words. CHARLOTTE Jerry Richardson, the founder of the Carolina Panthers, passed away Wednesday night at age 86. With the news also came a statement from current owner David Tepper and wife . He was my boss. Id call it sticking to your convictions.. 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. Jerry Richardson, Panthers founder and NFL power broker, dies at 86 This story was originally published March 2, 2023, 3:51 PM. The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation supported the first-of-its-kind in Mecklenburg County project, which offers urgent care for behavioral health needs. 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. Theres nothing Id rather do with my time than be supportive of the Carolina Panthers.. Richardson was born in Spring Hope, North Carolina, in 1936. Condolences to Rosalind, Ashley, & Mark and the Richardson family.. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our. Richardson was well liked by his players. Jansen Panettieres cause of death revealed by Hayden Panettiere and his family. 2 days ago He made millions in the business world in the food business, but it was football that made him happy. 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. 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. Jerry Richardson's age is 86 years old as of today's date 15th February 2023 having been born on 18 July 1936. A 13-foot, 4500-pound statue of Richardson, given to him by his ownership partners in 2016 and placed outside Bank of America Stadium, was removed in June 2020 by the Panthers. They played miniature golf in Myrtle Beach on their first date. Jerry Richardson Net Worth 2023: Age, Height, Weight, Wife, Kids, Bio 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). Photos of Jerry Richardson throughout his time with the Panthers. Two months after going on the donor waiting list, Richardson, then 72, received his transplant on Super Bowl Sunday in 2009 during a five-hour procedure at Carolinas Medical Center. They have a daughter named Ashley and a son named Mark in addition to their son Jon, who passed away in 2013. Richardson had a unique style of dealing with players, but generally was well-liked by those who played and coached under him. 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. Sports columnist Scott Fowler has written for The Charlotte Observer since 1994. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reacts to death of Panthers founder Jerry The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 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. We are saddened to hear about the passing of former owner Jerry Richardson. Richardson, after numerous accusations of workplace misconduct, sold the Panthers to Tepper back in 2018. 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. 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. They becamethe parents of three children. His survivors include his wife Rosalind and two of their three children Mark and Ashley. I was told I couldn't get my company on the New York Stock Exchange before I was 40. Jerry Richardson Age, Net worth: Kids, Weight, Bio-Wiki, Wife 2023 The family did not own a car until Jerry Richardson was 16. 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. The Richardsons have a total of nine grandchildren. Jerry Richardson Wiki, Age, Bio, Height, Wife, Career, Net Worth His height is 1.91 m tall, and his weight is 84 kg. Who helped themselves and who took a misstep on the second day of workouts at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine? Jerry Richardson family: Who are wife Rosalind Sallenger Richardson and He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. I will always be grateful to him for the opportunity to coach the Carolina Panthers & for his patient, steadfast leadership during 7 seasons.