Former Panthers coach, players react to Panthers founder Jerry Richardson’s death
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Jerry Richardson dead at 86
The Carolina Panthers founder and former owner died on March 1, 2023. He owned the franchise from its inception in 1995 until 2018 when he sold it to David and Nicole Tepper.
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People around the NFL reacted to the passing of Carolina Panthers founder and former owner Jerry Richardson on Thursday.
Richardson died at his Charlotte home Wednesday night at the age of 86. A Richardson family spokesperson said Richardson will have a private funeral with a public celebration of life event to be planned in the near future.
Richardson, who sold the Panthers to David and Nicole Tepper in 2018, was known for his philanthropy in the Carolinas, most notably to his alma mater, Wofford College.
The Teppers released the following statement shortly after the team confirmed the news of Richardson’s passing:
“Jerry Richardson’s contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic. 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 was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. Nicole and I extend our deepest condolences to Rosalind, the entire Richardson family, and their loved ones. We wish them much peace and comfort.”
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera worked for Richardson in the same role from 2011 until Richardson’s sale of the team in May 2018. Rivera, who was fired following the 2019 season, tweeted out his condolences to Richardson’s family.
“Stephanie (and) I were saddened to learn of the passing of Jerry Richardson,” Rivera tweeted Thursday. “I will always be grateful to him for the opportunity to coach the Carolina Panthers & for his patient, steadfast leadership during 7 seasons. Condolences to Rosalind, Ashley, (and) Mark and the Richardson family.”
Former Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis Sr., who played under Rivera and for Richardson during his 16-year career, reacted to Richardson’s death on Instagram. Davis spent his first 15 seasons in the NFL under Richardson’s franchise leadership.
“I’m literally at a loss for words,” Davis said in an Instagram post that has since been deleted. “For me to try to explain to you guys what this man has meant to me and my family and so many others would take a life time. 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. I am truly heartbroken and sad over the loss of my friend. I was able to become the player that I became because of him, because he encouraged and motivated me to Keep Pounding.
“When I went through my injuries and everyone told him it was time to move on and turn the page he said no. He believed in me when one one else did. He gave me a chance when no one else would! I know a lot of guys feel like they were his favorite player but we all know it was me lol (laugh out loud). Please keep the Richardson family in your prayers today! Rest up my friend!”
New Panthers head coach Frank Reich was the initial starting quarterback in franchise history. Reich started the first three games of Richardson’s tenure as an NFL owner.
Reich released a statement through the Panthers on Thursday afternoon.
“I will always be thankful to Mr. Richardson for providing me with the opportunity to play for the Panthers,” Reich said in the statement. “Being a part of the inaugural season is something that I will never forget. It was truly a special experience to play a part in the culmination of his efforts to bring football to the Carolinas.”
FOX color commentator Greg Olsen, who spent the majority of his NFL career in Carolina, addressed Richardson’s death by posting a lengthy video statement to Twitter.
Olsen revealed that his son, TJ, is partially named after Richardson. Olsen revealed that Richardson helped the family find medical care that helped save TJ’s life when he was an infant.
Former Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart also offered his condolences in a tweet.
“We lost a Good one today!” Stewart tweeted. “Rest in peace Jerry Richardson. Thankful that he bet on me!”
Former Pro Bowl wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. also addressed Richardson’s death on social media. Smith spent his first 13 seasons with the Panthers, and that entire stint was played under Richardson’s tenure as owner.
“You taught me a lot,” Smith tweeted. “You will be missed. When I loss my grandfather, you filled that role and I’m appreciative for that. RIP Big Cat.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released the following statement on Richardson’s death:
“The NFL community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jerry Richardson.
“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.
“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.
“From a personal perspective, he was a wise and caring advisor to me, his fellow owners, and many Panthers players and coaches over the years.
“On the NFL’s behalf, I extend our sincere condolences to Jerry’s wife, Rosalind, and their family.”
Panthers senior assistant Dom Capers, who Richardson hired as the first head coach in franchise history, released a statement through the team on social media.
“Jerry Richardson gave me my first opportunity to be a head coach, and I’ll always be thankful for that,” Capers said in the team-issued statement. “He provided tremendous guidance to me, and to this day, Karen and I consider him and Rosalind true friends. He and I spent a tremendous amount of time talking about his vision for what the Panthers could do for the Carolinas. To see what the Panthers are today, that’s truly a testament to his vision.”
The condolences for the Richardson family extended beyond the NFL and the Panthers of past and present, as Wofford College President Nayef Samhat issued the following statement to The Observer:
“Mr. Richardson’s impact on Wofford College is immeasurable. I know of no one more generous with his time, wisdom and resources. While his gifts to the college and other organizations throughout the Carolinas are legendary, I will forever remember him for his quiet generosity and the gifts that didn’t capture headlines. So many have him to thank for kindnesses large and small. Our community sends condolences to Mrs. Richardson and his family. We will miss him greatly.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
This story was originally published March 2, 2023 at 4:03 PM.
