Carolina Panthers announce passing of longtime former owner, founder Jerry Richardson

Former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson has died. The team announced his passing on Twitter.

Richardson founded the Carolina Panthers as an expansion team in 1993, though the team’s first season was in 1995. He was eventually forced to sell the team in 2017.

Jerry Richardson was an NFL Champion in 1959 as a player with the Baltimore Colts. He became the first former player since the legendary George Halas to become an owner.

We are saddened to hear about the passing of former owner Jerry Richardson. pic.twitter.com/9Cjn0PSYW2

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) March 2, 2023

Jerry Richardson was an NFL Champion in 1959 as a player with the Baltimore Colts. He became the first former player since the legendary George Halas to become an owner.

“Jerry Richardson’s contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic,” Panthers owners David and Nicole Tepper said in a statement. “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.”

He was forced to sell the team due to a scandal involving reports that he had paid multiple settlements for inappropriate workplace comments and conduct. At least one of these instances includes using a slur in the direction of an African-American scout.

Prior to that, Richardson was seen as one of the most influential owners in the NFL. That included playing an influential role during the 2011 lockout.

Jerry Richardson died at the age of 86.