Jerry Richardson was a former American football player and team owner who made a significant impact on the sport. He was born in 1936 in North Carolina and played college football at Wofford College. After college, he was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the 13th round of the 1959 NFL Draft. He played for the Colts for two seasons before being traded to the expansion team, the Dallas Cowboys, in 1961. He played for the Cowboys for two seasons before retiring from football in 1963.
After his playing career, Richardson went on to become a successful businessman, founding the fast-food chain Hardee's in 1961. In 1993, he became the owner of the Carolina Panthers, an NFL expansion team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Under his ownership, the Panthers became a successful franchise, reaching the Super Bowl twice and winning the NFC Championship three times.
Richardson was known for his hands-on approach to team management and his commitment to building a winning culture. He was also known for his philanthropy, donating millions of dollars to various charitable causes in the Charlotte area.
In 2017, Richardson announced that he would be selling the Panthers following allegations of workplace misconduct. The sale was completed in 2018, with the team being purchased by David Tepper for a reported $2.2 billion.
Despite the controversy surrounding his departure from the Panthers, Richardson's impact on the team and the sport of football cannot be denied. He was a successful player, businessman, and team owner who left a lasting legacy on the game.
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