4 legacy-defining moments of Carolina Panthers founder Jerry Richardson

What were some legacy-defining moments for Carolina Panthers founder Jerry Richardson, who passed away this week aged 86?

There was an outpouring of grief and tributes from everyone associated with the Carolina Panthers after the team confirmed founder and first owner Jerry Richardson passed away. He was 86 years old.

Richardson’s time with the Panthers ended under a cloud, forcing him to sell the team to David Tepper for a then-record $2.2 billion. Even so, there were some good moments and it’s clear from comments in the immediate aftermath of his death that he was held in high regard by players, coaches, and front-office figures alike.

Influential figures such as Tepper, commissioner Roger Goodell led the tributes for Richardson, whose funeral will be a family affair before a bigger celebration of life in the near future.

With that being said, here are four legacy-defining moments that fans will remember most about Richardson.

Defining Moment No. 1

Carolina Panthers hired John Fox

After an impressive start to life as an expansion franchise, the Carolina Panthers drifted somewhat. This meant Jerry Richardson was forced into drastic measures and a gamble that would define the organization throughout the early 2000s.

The owner took a chance on John Fox as Carolina’s next head coach, who was New York Giants’ defensive coordinator at the time. What came next was some of the best times in the history of Panthers football, even if it didn’t come with an elusive first Super Bowl success.

Caring for Carolina Panthers players

Being an ex-player himself, Jerry Richardson knew how important it was for them to have a happy environment more often than not. The owner went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure their needs were met and for a long time, the Carolina Panthers organization was more like a family than an NFL franchise.

Of course, one cannot ignore why Richardson was forced to sell the Panthers. Something that saw his statue removed from outside Bank of America Stadium and being outcast entirely in recent years.

However, that doesn’t detract from the impact he made on players. Whether they were at the top of the food chain or fighting for a roster spot, the level of care was the same from Richardson – and that is one of his lasting legacies which stands the test of time.

Want further proof? Check out this incredible story shared by former Panthers tight end Greg Olsen after Richardson’s passing was officially announced.

Things like this are why Richardson was so beloved in the locker room and around the league. Serious circumstances caused his removal, but it’s something the likes of Olsen and Steve Smith haven’t forgotten in a hurry.

Taking a chance on Cam Newton

After a standout season at Auburn where he carried the program to a national championship and won the Heisman Trophy in 2010, Cam Newton was a cause of great debate during his pre-draft assessment process. And as it turned out, the Carolina Panthers had the No. 1 overall selection.

Many questioned whether Newton’s electrifying campaign was a one-off – whether he could take this style of play into the NFL and become a success.

Blaine Gabbert was the safer pick. A more stereotypical pocket passer that was projected to be the next great franchise prospect at the position by many analysts.

Others were involved, but once Jerry Richardson got the chance to sit down with Newton, the owner decided it was a risk worth taking. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Newton immediately emerged as a transcendent talent and one of the team’s greatest-ever players. His NFL MVP season in 2015 was nothing short of extraordinary, propelling him to the face of the league for a brief period.

Richardson could have played it safe, but he didn’t. Something that didn’t go unrecognized by Newton after Richardson’s passing was confirmed.

Newton’s influence and overall impact across the Carolinas remain strong to this day. Had it not been for Richardson, this wouldn’t be the case.

Bringing Carolina Panthers football to Charlotte

Obviously, the biggest legacy Jerry Richardson leaves behind is the Carolina Panthers franchise itself. Had it not been for his sterling work and tireless commitment, fans would not have an NFL team to cheer for in Charlotte.

It’s that simple, really.

There were ups and downs. And as stated previously, the sexual and racial misconduct allegations that brought his eventual demise won’t ever be forgotten. But from a pure football standpoint, had Richardson not laid a strong claim to the expansion plans, the NFL would have gone to a bigger market all things considered.

This was highlighted by commissioner Roger Goodell in his statement following Richardson’s death. Adding that he was a caring advisor to the figurehead before being forced away.

"“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 … 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. 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.”"

Fans will remember Richardson in their own way. Some will look back fondly while others are sure to take a different approach given everything that transpired before the sale.

Either way, NFL football in the Carolinas would not exist without Richardson. This is something that cannot be disputed whatever side of the fence you’re on.