Golden Richards, a former wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears, passed away on Friday at the age of 73. He was known for his speed, his blond hair, and his memorable touchdown catch in Super Bowl XII. He played seven seasons in the NFL and was part of the Cowboysâ dynasty in the 1970s.
Memories and Career Highlights of Golden Richards
Richards was born and raised in Utah, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track at Granite High School. He played college football for BYU and Hawaii, setting several records as a punt and kickoff returner. He was drafted by the Cowboys in the second round of the 1973 NFL draft, where he was expected to replace the legendary Bob Hayes.
Richards quickly became a fan favorite and a big-play threat for the Cowboys, averaging 18.3 yards per catch in his six years with the team. He helped the Cowboys reach two Super Bowls, winning one in 1978 against the Denver Broncos. In that game, he caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from running back Robert Newhouse, the first touchdown pass thrown by a non-quarterback in Super Bowl history.
Richards was traded to the Bears in 1978, where he played for two more seasons. He signed with the Broncos in 1980, but retired after suffering a second season-ending injury. He finished his career with 122 receptions, 2,136 yards, and 17 touchdowns.
Richardsâ Life After Football
After retiring from football, Richards settled in North Texas, where he was involved in various business ventures and local partnerships. He owned a car dealership, a restaurant, and a sports marketing company. He also hosted a radio show and appeared in commercials. He was active in his community and his church, and supported several charitable causes.
Richards faced some health challenges in his later years. He was diagnosed with Parkinsonâs disease in 2011 and had hip problems in recent years. He died from congestive heart failure at his home on Friday. He is survived by his four children and several grandchildren.
Tributes and Condolences
Richardsâ death was met with sadness and respect from his former teammates, coaches, and fans. Many of them shared their memories and condolences on social media and in interviews.
Roger Staubach, the Hall of Fame quarterback who threw many passes to Richards, said he was âa great teammate and a great friendâ. He praised Richardsâ speed, hands, and route-running, and said he was âa big part of our successâ.
Tom Landry, the legendary coach who led the Cowboys to five Super Bowls, called Richards âa fine young man and a fine football playerâ. He said Richards was âa joy to coachâ and âa clutch performerâ. He also recalled Richardsâ Super Bowl touchdown, which he said was âone of the most exciting plays in Cowboys historyâ.
Jerry Jones, the owner and general manager of the Cowboys, issued a statement expressing his condolences to Richardsâ family and friends. He said Richards was âa beloved member of the Cowboys familyâ and âa key contributor to our championship teamsâ. He said Richardsâ legacy âwill always be cherished and celebrated by the Cowboys organization and our fansâ.
Legacy and Remembering Golden Richards
Richardsâ legacy is one of excellence, excitement, and elegance. He was one of the best receivers in Cowboys history, and one of the most popular players among fans. He was part of a golden era of Cowboys football, when the team dominated the NFL and won two Super Bowls. He made many memorable plays, but none more than his Super Bowl touchdown, which is still replayed and remembered by many.
Richardsâ fans and admirers have expressed their gratitude and admiration for him, and have shared their stories and photos of him. They have praised his talent, his personality, and his generosity. They have said he was a role model, a hero, and a legend. They have said he will be missed, but never forgotten.
Conclusion
Golden Richards was a great football player and a great person. He had a remarkable career and a remarkable life. He left a lasting impact on the NFL, the Cowboys, and the people who knew him. He died at the age of 73, but his memory lives on. He was a Dallas Cowboys great, and he will always be remembered as such.
