“Up in Heaven”: NFL Fans Inconsolable as Panthers Founder Passes Away at 86
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USA Today via Reuters
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Super Bowl 50-Carolina Panthers vs Denver Broncos, Feb 7, 2016 Santa Clara, CA, USA Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson walks on the field before Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos at Levi s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports, 07.02.2016 13:01:40, 9101360, NPStrans, Levi s Stadium, Carolina Panthers, NFL, Denver Broncos, Super Bowl 50, Jerry Richardson, TopPic PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMatthewxEmmonsx 9101360
It is a melancholic day for the Carolina Panthers. A man who spent his life journey bringing professional football to the Carolinas left his mark in the hearts and minds of all the fans. On Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers’ founder and former owner Jerry Richardson breathed his last at 86. He has left behind a legacy for the ages, and for fans in the future to remember as well.
The Carolina Panthers took to Twitter to announce the death of Richardson. While they have not disclosed the cause of his death, it has left the NFL world heartbroken.
NFL world mourns the loss of Jerry Richardson
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Jerry Richardson was a pioneer of football for the Carolinas. Fans showed their gratitude and sorrow for this huge loss for both the franchise and the NFL world on social media.
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We are saddened to hear about the passing of former owner Jerry Richardson. pic.twitter.com/9Cjn0PSYW2
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) March 2, 2023
RIP I hope every day up in heaven is Jeans Day big guy.
— RP (@rp23456) March 2, 2023
So sorry to hear of his passing. He brought the NFL to Charlotte. Without him, there would be no Charlotte FC today. No BOA Stadium = No NFL/MLS. R also did a lot for the community.
Rest In Peace.
— Patrick Dohmen (@pdohm81) March 2, 2023
Thank you for the Panthers! 🐈⬛#BigCat
— 49ShadesOfGreen (@49Shades_Green) March 2, 2023
I’m wearing my tightest jeans this evening in his honor.
— BITS (@OutOfExile2021) March 2, 2023
Thankful for the memories and having the opportunity to meet him.
— Kevin (@KPeters90) March 2, 2023
Thank you for bringing a professional football team to the Carolinas!! Wish you lived long enough to see a Superbowl win. RIP Mr. Richardson
— Chang Lor (@ChangLor5) March 2, 2023
Jerry Richardson’s legacy is as great as he was. He was the first former NFL player to own a team, right after George Halas. The Panthers had their inaugural season in the NFL in 1995. Jerry Richardson’s contributions to football are forever written down in the history books.
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He not only gave the Carolinas a team of their own but also contributed to changing the way they viewed football in this region. The Panthers marched towards two Super Bowls during his tenure with the team.
Life moves on but memories stay
His fans and fans of the Panthers loved and respected Jerry Richardson. People will immortalize his contributions, his love for the game, and his dedication to the team for years to come. In such a bittersweet moment, heaven has found yet another angel with wings.
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While the NFL world mourns the loss of an iconic persona, we express our heartfelt condolences to his friends and family. A living legend, now forever in our hearts and minds. The Panthers will remember Richardson and all his contributions to the game of football for all the years that are to come.
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Written by:
Edited by:
Deepika Bhaduri