Jerome Johnson Richardson Sr. was an American businessman, football player, and owner in the National Football League best known for being the founder and former owner of the Carolina Panthers. He was the first former NFL player to own a team since George Halas. Richardson went to Wofford College where he also played college football and still holds Wofford's single-game record with 241 receiving yards vs. Newberry in 1956. After college he was drafted in the 13th round of the NFL by the Baltim... moreJerome Johnson Richardson Sr. was an American businessman, football player, and owner in the National Football League best known for being the founder and former owner of the Carolina Panthers. He was the first former NFL player to own a team since George Halas. Richardson went to Wofford College where he also played college football and still holds Wofford's single-game record with 241 receiving yards vs. Newberry in 1956. After college he was drafted in the 13th round of the NFL by the Baltimore Colts in 1958, earning Colt Rookie of the Year honors in 1959. In 1961, he was traded to the New York Giants. After retiring after playing two seasons in the NFL, Richardson together with Charles Bradshaw opened their first Hardee's franchise in Spartanburg. He co-founded Spartan Foods Hardee's first franchise. He was also the CEO of Flagstar, which at the time was the sixth largest food service company in the United States, with over 2500 restaurants. In 1993 he became the owner of Panthers. He sold the franchise in 2018, the Panthers reached two Super Bowls and three NFC title games when he owned the team.
