1:08 Jerry Richardson, founder of the Carolina Panthers, has died. Photos of Jerry Richardson throughout his time with the Panthers. He has given considerable gifts to . Richardson teamed with quarterback and future business partner Charlie Bradshaw to become one of the top passing tandems among small colleges. If he succeeded, he would become only the second NFL owner ever to both play in the league and own a team the other being George Halas. It was also reported he used a racial slur directed toward a team scout. Richardson served on several high-level owners committees, playing a key role in labor negotiations with the players union. He fired both his sons Mark, the team president, and Jon, the director of stadium operations following a sibling squabble at the stadium in front of other employees while he was recovering from a heart transplant in 2009. ''I'm literally at a loss of words. 5:26 PM on Mar 2, 2023 CST. He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. Muhleman noted the drive that Richardson exhibited in his relentless pursuit of making Carolina the NFLs 29th franchise. 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. I'd been here for one season and we'd won six games. While Richardson seldom held press conferences even during the early seasons of the Panthers franchise, his public appearances became far less frequent in his later years. To see what the Panthers are today, that's truly a testament to his vision.". 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 . Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera, who led Carolina to the Super Bowl in 2015, sent his condolences on Twitter. They kept opening more and more Hardees, with Richardson before long a multi-millionaire taking a hands-on approach to the business many times. 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. Jerry Richardson, the self-made millionaire who brought the NFL to Charlotte and founded the Carolina Panthers, died Wednesday. The Richardsonslived in North Carolina their entire lives. Richardson, who was born July 18, 1936. 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. Richardson died peacefully Wednesday night at his Charlotte home, the team said in a statement. Playing for the Browns that day was offensive tackle Mike McCormack, whom Richardson would later hire as the Panthers first president. Net Worth: $2 Billion. 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. "Jerry Richardson's contributions to professional football in the Carolina's are historic,'' current owners David and Nicole Tepper said in a statement. 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. He was my boss. Heather ODonnell of the Chicago social services agency Thresholds says the money is an opportunity to really build up substance use care.. . They played miniature golf in Myrtle Beach on their first date. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Facebook; Twitter; Facebook Messenger; Pinterest; Email; print; Carolina Panthers founder Jerry Richardson died Wednesday night at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina. Catch up on the developing stories making headlines. Richardson became the first former NFL player to own a team since the Bears George Halas when he landed the expansion Panthers in 1993. 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. On the NFL's behalf, I extend our sincere condolences to Jerry's wife, Rosalind, and their family. 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. The family did not own a car until Jerry Richardson was 16. It was widely assumed Richardson would hold onto the team until his death. He also had a policy where fans weren't allowed to remove their shirts during games. Richardson had a pacemaker/defibrillator inserted in his heart in 2008, and doctors told him he would need a heart transplant. Conservative by nature, Richardson once cautioned Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton against getting tattoos and piercings after drafting the quarterback No. "Condolences to Rosalind, Ashley, & Mark and the Richardson family.''. 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. 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. He was not a close personal friend at the time. A public celebration of his life will be held at a later date. He took the money earned from that game and started the first Hardee's franchise in Spartanburg. Head coach Frank Reich and general manager Scott Fitterer plan on speaking with the veteran quarterback again next week after Tuesday's meeting in Indianapolis. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 53 after a protracted fight with cancer. He never publicly explained the rift with his sons. Jon Richardson died of cancer in 2013. 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. As a football fan, he has naming rights to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's football field. Richardson became the first former NFL player to own a team since Chicagos George Halas when he landed the expansion Panthers in 1993. He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. 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 brought NFL football to the Carolinas!'' Using his championship game bonus as seed money, he opened his first Hardee's restaurant in Spartanburg. 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. The Carolina Panthers defeated the New York Giants 23 to 0. Rosalind Sallenger Richardson. Richardson died peacefully Wednesday night at his Charlotte home, the team said in a statement. But his league-first attitude as seen through his leadership of numerous NFL committees 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. 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. Rosalind Sallenger, Richardsons wife, also studied at Winthrop University in the late 1950s. 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. One of our dear friends said, God does not give out hearts lightly, Rosalind Richardson told The Observer two weeks after the surgery. A year after Carolina was awarded a franchise, in 1994, Richardson spoke to The Observer about what it was like to be an NFL owner. He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. 1 pick, Jalen Carter arrest throws Bears a hittable curve, NFL Combine notes: Illini CB Witherspoon the complete package, Trade down? 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. We wish them much peace and comfort.. "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. This story was originally published March 2, 2023, 3:51 PM. He enlisted sports marketing executive Max Muhleman, and they put in place the first permanent seat license concept, in which fans paid an up-front fee for access to season tickets. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! Richardson didnt play much for Baltimore. Richardson, after numerous accusations of workplace misconduct, sold the Panthers to Tepper back in 2018. Richardson became the first former NFL player to own a team since Chicago's George Halas when he landed the expansion Panthers in 1993. He sold the team to Tepper, a hedge fund owner, in May 2018 for a then-NFL record $2.27 billion. Condolences to Rosalind, Ashley, & Mark and the Richardson family.. 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. "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 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. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? On game days, he'd ride around Bank of America Stadium in his golf cart, greeting fans and taking pictures, relishing the moments. 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. Im 58 years old, and I dont hunt, I dont fish, and I dont play golf. By then, the Panthers were playing their ninth NFL season. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 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. Quarterback Jake Delhomme, who led the Panthers to their first Super Bowl in the 2003 season, recalls getting a phone call from Richardson a couple of days after enduring he endured a disastrous four-turnover performance in a 33-13 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the 2008 playoffs. Jerry Richardsons contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic, current Panthers owner David Tepper and his wife Nicole said in a statement. Too grueling. 1 overall in 2011 for fear it would impact his image. This website uses cookies and similar technologies to ensure you get the best experience, including personalised content. He was 86.. 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. 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. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 21-14. Richardson served on several high-level owners committees, playing a key role in labor negotiations with the players union. I am truly heartbroken and sad over the loss of my friend. 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. 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. After a bad first half, Richardson caught several passes in the second half from Johnny Unitas and made the team. Florida. It revealed that Richardsons assistant would escort female employees to Richardsons office and then leave. Although Richardson once promised the Panthers would win a Super Bowl "within 10 years" of beginning play in 1995, they never did. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Bears waiting for teams to go all-in for QB, Dear Abby: When my husbands brother marries, I should be in the wedding, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and wife to invest $250 million in new Chicago research lab, Jose Abreu on life with the Astros and leaving the White Sox, who werent a family in 2022, Chicago police officer was shot and killed in front of kids playing at school: They ran as quickly as possible just to get to safety, Dear Abby: With boyfriends fussy father living here, I feel trapped, Chicago outdoors: Winter/nesting robins, winter aconite, hiking the A.T., Winnebago ice shacks, Dear Abby: I have trouble connecting with my brothers widow, Too many are dying; drug companies opioid settlement to help Chicago aid drug users, Office of the chief architect: Next mayor has a big role to play in the citys design future, Taking aim at gun safety in Illinois invites tragedy. The Richardsons have a total of nine grandchildren. The Carolina Panthers founder and former owner died on March 1, 2023. The founder and former owner of the Panthers passed away on Wednesday night. Quarterback Jake Delhomme, who led the Panthers to their first Super Bowl in the 2003 season, said Richardson was well respected in the locker room and great to me and every player who played for him.. When players would get into trouble, Richardson would invite them to his home and make them sit in a formal room listening to the minutes tick away on a grandfather clock before Richardson was ready to see them. Richardson is survived by his wife, Rosalind, son Mark and daughter Ashley Richardson Allen. We wish them much peace and comfort.". Richardson survived a series of serious health-related issues in his later years. Ralph Waclawicz/Call (212) 686-8900 or e-mail info@wireimage.com to license WireImage images. 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. Jerry Richardson's Wife, Marriage & Relationship Richardson is married to Rosalind Sallenger Richardson. He was 86. After growing up in the Fayetteville area, Richardson went to Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.; where he excelled in football and laid the groundwork for a business empire that would allow him to return to the game he once walked away from. Mr. Richardson claims that Wofford has had the biggest impact on his achievement in life, with no other influence coming close. In a two-sentence statement at the time that didnt explain the mysterious parting, Richardson cited the great contributions his sons had made, but expressed confidence in the remaining members of the leadership team. Richardson, a North. Richardson died peacefully Wednesday night at his Charlotte home, the team said in a statement. We all felt his love, all felt his commitment, Greene said of Richardson. Richardson and Rosalind moved into an apartment close to Memorial Stadium in Baltimore with their infant son, Jon. 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. Mar 02, 2023 at 01:47 PM. With the news also came a statement from current owner David Tepper and wife . You'll now receive the top Panthers Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. 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. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! 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. And defensive end Greg Hardy was suspended after he was arrested for communicating threats after allegedly throwing his girlfriend on to furniture and threatening to kill her. He was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1959 and caught a touchdown pass from Johnny Unitas in the 1959 NFL Championship Game. Richardson was born in Spring Hope, North Carolina, in 1936. Foxs greatest success came in 2003, when a team with Jake Delhomme at quarterback and young stars like Steve Smith at wide receiver and Julius Peppers at defensive end made an unlikely run to the Super Bowl before losing on a last-second field goal to the New England Patriots, 32-29. 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. 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. In the late 1950s, Rosalind Sallenger Richardson studied at Winthrop University. Delhomme recalls getting a phone call from Richardson a couple of days after he had a disastrous four-turnover performance in a 33-13 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the playoffs in the 2008 season. He used his championship bonus money to open the first Hardees in Spartanburg, South Carolina close to where he had attended Wofford College. 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. He ultimately became a millionaire and used that money to purchase the Panthers for $206 million. 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. Being a part of the inaugural season is something that I will never forget. All about former Carolina Panthers owners, net worth, statue, scandals and more. The team called the statue a public safety hazard at the time, citing the nightly social justice marches then occurring in Charlotte. He believed in me when no one else did. 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. His other. He and Bradshaw Richardsons former quarterback at Wofford opened their first Hardees restaurant in 1961 in Spartanburg. CHARLOTTE, N.C. Jerry Richardson, the former Baltimore Colts wide receiver who later founded and owned the Carolina Panthers until a scandal forced him to sell the team, has died. He was 86. I sweated it out every day. Richardson was born in his familys home in Spring Hope, in the eastern part of North Carolina, on July 18, 1936. He made the greatest gift in Wofford Colleges history in 2021 when he gave $150 million to the institution. Quincy Williams or JuJu Smith-Schuster: Who is the better grinch. Richardson died. Carolina Panthers founder Jerry Richardson died Wednesday night at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina. The following month the NFL fined Richardson $2.75 million for alleged workplace misconduct. Jaguars won't spend big, but here are five players they could target in free agency. Richardsons bid for an NFL team had to at first beat out a competing bid for a Charlotte team from Shinn. 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. Olsen and his wife Kara later named the child Trent Jerry Olsen after Richardson. RIP Mr. Richardson pic.twitter.com/o27b6O5Czt. "Jerry Richardson's contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic," Panthers owners David and Nicole Tepper said in a statement. Jerome Johnson Richardson Sr. (July 18, 1936 - March 1, 2023) was an American businessman, football player, and owner in the National Football League (NFL). A family spokesman said Thursday that Richardson died peacefully last night at his Charlotte home.. 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. Richardson took a lower public profile in later years as his gait and speech slowed he went nine years between press conferences at one point. Jansen Panettieres cause of death revealed by Hayden Panettiere and his family, Kris Jordan: Cause of death, age, ex-wife Melissa Jordan, children, net worth and more, Where to buy Atlanta Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson's Christmas cleats. Jerry Richardson entered Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, after completing high school in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Carruth was imprisoned for 16 years. 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. He overcame prostate cancer and underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2002. Read what head coach Frank Reich said to the media during his press conference at the Combine on Wednesday. Nicole and I extend our deepest condolences to Rosalind, the entire Richardson family, and their loved ones. Sources have told The Observer it will never return to the stadium. And he went above and beyond to bring love and comfort to a family at its toughest time.". 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. Richardson wanted $10,000 for the 61 season; the Colts offered $9,750. Jerry Richardson Age, Wiki, Biography He was a married man. Please keep the Richardson family in your prayers today! 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). The team went for a then NFL record $2.275 billion. Info. 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. 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. 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. . Jerry Richardson family: Who are wife Rosalind Sallenger Richardson and children Ashley, Jon and Mark? An only child, Richardson had a modest upbringing. "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. 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. 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. NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. Within hours of the report, Richardson announced his decision to sell the team. Cleveland Browns vs New Orleans Saints weather report: What is the temperature at FirstEnergy stadium? "The NFL community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jerry Richardson," commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. 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. Prosecutors dismissed domestic violence charges against Hardy after they said the accuser in the case couldnt be found. Richardson had a unique style of dealing with players, but generally was well-liked by those who played and coached under him. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our. pic.twitter.com/9Cjn0PSYW2. "I was able to become the player that I became because of him, because he encouraged and motivated me to Keep Pounding. Id call it sticking to your convictions.. We wouldnt go into this if I didnt think we could do it, Richardson said at a Charlotte news conference on Dec. 15, 1987, when he officially announced his bid for an NFL expansion franchise. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. The team said that moving the statue is in the interest of public safety. It has never returned. That never deterred me. Nicole and I extend our deepest condolences to Rosalind, the entire Richardson family, and their loved ones. But as he stepped back from some of his day-to-day work with the team, his influence within the NFL remained large. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. 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. Theres nothing Id rather do with my time than be supportive of the Carolina Panthers.. The promise came close to coming true during the 2003 season. He provided tremendous guidance to me, and to this day, Karen and I consider him and Rosalind true friends. Entering the last preseason game before final cuts, Richardson and Michigan States John Lewis were battling for the final receiver spot. Richardson never addressed the allegations against him publicly. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. Three months later, running back Fred Lane, who had just been traded to Indianapolis, was shot and killed by his wife in their Charlotte home. It was a stormy night, she said then. When he owned the team, Richardson would often refer back to the lessons learned selling hamburgers. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. During the year in which Richardson waited for and later recovered from his heart transplants, his two sons led the organization. Unitas took a personal interest in Richardson, picking up the young receiver every morning on his way to practice and bringing him home at the end of the day. We wish them much peace and comfort.. Jansen Panettieres cause of death revealed by Hayden Panettiere and his family. Sports columnist Scott Fowler has written for The Charlotte Observer since 1994. When Richardson heard the news in Chicago on Oct. 26, 1993, that his bid had been accepted to own the NFLs 29th franchise, he pointed to television cameras from the Carolinas at a press conference and yelled: Thank you, thank you, thank you!. Career Richardson stepped into NFL draft in 1959 and got selected in the thirteenth round by the supremacy victors the Baltimore Colts. 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.