Jerry Richardson, who founded the Carolina Panthers and was one of the NFL’s most influential owners until a scandal forced him to sell the team, has died. He was 86.
Richardson passed away quietly on Wednesday night at his home in Charlotte, according to a statement from the team.
Jerry Richardson Obituary
Richardson attended high school in Fayetteville, North Carolina, after being born in Spring Hope. Afterward, he succeeded as a football player while attending Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Even in 1957 and 1958, he was chosen as an Associated Press Little All-America selection. With 241 yards versus Newberry in 1956, Richardson still maintains the record for Wofford’s most receiving yards in a single game.
Moreover, he retains the record for the most touchdown receptions in both a career and a season (9 in 1958). Richardson earned 72 points during his senior season at Wofford, which included nine touchdowns, 12 extra points, and two field goals.
Richardson views becoming team captain in 1958 as his greatest achievement, and in 1983, he was selected as a receiver for Wofford’s All-Time Football team.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Richardson was active in a number of school organizations at Wofford. He served as President of the Inter-Fraternity Council, a member of the SCA Cabinet, and a member of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity.
Richardson was recognized as a Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges honoree and was named an Outstanding Military Student while attending Wofford. He was also a member of Sigma Delta Psi and the Scabbard and Blade Military Fraternity.