Golden Richards, the ex-NFL wide receiver celebrated for his time with the Dallas Cowboys, has left an indelible mark both in and beyond the realms of football.
Richards, recognized for his crucial role in the Cowboys’ 1978 Super Bowl win and his distinctive blonde locks, died Friday, January 23, 2024. The 73-year-old succumbed to congestive heart failure at his residence in Murray, Utah. His path from a star college player to an NFL icon narrates a tale of victory, resilience, and the harsh truths of post-football life.
Richards was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. His speed and agility marked him as an exceptional wide receiver and punt returner during his college years, initially at Brigham Young University and later at the University of Hawaii.
His performance was exceptional, including leading the country in return touchdowns during his junior year. This paved the way for his professional career. Richards realized his childhood dream when he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, where he spent most of his seven-season NFL career. Richards also played for the Chicago Bears and the Denver Broncos, demonstrating his abilities across the league.
The highlight of Richards’ career was undoubtedly during Super Bowl XII, where his 29-yard touchdown reception from fullback Robert Newhouse sealed the Cowboys’ victory. This play, symbolic of Richards’ career, showcased his capacity to deliver under pressure and make significant contributions to his team’s success. During his tenure with the Cowboys, Richards was a formidable deep-threat receiver, amassing impressive stats of 122 receptions for 2,136 yards and 17 touchdowns.
However, Richards’ post-NFL life, following his retirement in 1980, was fraught with considerable challenges. He grappled with health issues, including drug addiction, and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011. His struggles highlight the physical and mental burden professional football can impose on players, with repeated concussions and the game’s demanding nature leading to his health problems later in life.
Richards’ brother Doug described him as an exceptional football player and a compassionate individual who valiantly battled the health issues that marked his later years. He discussed with a local news station the impact of football’s physical demands over seven to eight years on a wide receiver weighing 175 pounds, noting how multiple concussions also played a part in his condition.
Doug Richards highlighted their strong bond and the immense hardship of losing his brother. “He’s moved on to a better place,” he stated, underscoring his brother’s brave fight until the final moments of his life.
As per his brother, Richards sustained a hip fracture in 2022, leading to four surgeries. He spent his final years living with his sons, Goldie Jr. and Jordan.