CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jerome “Jerry” Richardson, the founding owner of the Carolina Panthers franchise, passed away on Wednesday night at his Charlotte home at the age of 86.
Richardson, who was born July 18, 1936 in Spring Hope, N.C., grew up in Fayetteville and played college football at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.
He had a brief playing career in the NFL with the Baltimore Colts before turning to a business career. Richardson eventually ushered in the launch of the Panthers franchise in 1995 after being awarded the league’s 29th team in 1993.
Richardson remained the owner of the team until May 2018 when he sold the franchise to current owners David and Nicole Tepper. The Teppers released a statement on Richardson’s death on Thursday.
“Jerry Richardson’s contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic,” the statement read. “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.”
Along with his ownership of the Panthers and success in business, Richardson was known for his philanthropy in the Carolinas. In 2021, Richardson donated $150 million to Wofford College.
Wofford’s basketball and volleyball teams play in Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium. UNC Charlotte’s football stadium is also named after Richardson.
According to a Richardson family spokesperson, Richardson will have a private funeral with a public celebration of live event to be planned in the near future.
