Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Golden Richards, who was known for his flowing blond hair as much as his ability to catch a football during the 1970s, has died.
The former BYU star, who caught a touchdown off a trick play in Super Bowl XXII, was 73. Richards died of congestive heart failure in his Murray, Utah, home, according to his nephew.
“My uncle Golden passed away peacefully this morning,” Lance Richards wrote via Facebook. “I will forever remember going hunting and talking Dallas Cowboy football. He was a kind and sweet soul and I’m so happy he’s not suffering anymore.”
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According to the Deseret News, Richard had chronic problems with his health — some of which stemmed from drug addiction and alcoholism — but he had been clean during the latter years of his life. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2011 and lived with his sons, Goldie and Jordan, later in life.
Richards began his collegiate career at BYU and made a name for himself as a wide receiver and punt returner. In fact, he led the speedster led the country in punt returns for touchdowns with four during his junior year. He played his final year of eligibility at Hawaii, where he hauled in 23 passes for 414 yards and five scores.
In 1973, the Cowboys drafted him in the second round and he’d spend five seasons in the NFL with Dallas, the Chicago Bears and the Denver Broncos. He spent the majority of his career with the Cowboys — five-plus seasons to be exact — and he made a name for himself as a deep-pass threat. When everything was said and done with America’s team, he averaged 18.3 yards per catch.
His signature moment came in Super Bowl XII against the Broncos. He gave the Cowboys an insurance touchdown late in the game after catching a 29-yard TD pass from fullback Robert Newhouse.
Despite the effort of Denver Broncos defensive back Steve Foley (43), Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Golden Richards hauls in a touchdown pass during NFL football’s Super Bowl XII in New Orleans on Jan 15, 1978. (Associated Press)Associated Press
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound receiver finished his career with 122 catches for 2,136 yards and 17 touchdowns. He retired in 1980, primarily because of injuries.
Richards finished his career with 122 receptions for 2,136 yards and 17 TDs before injuries prompted him to retire in 1980.
“He has left us and gone to a better place,” acknowledged Doug Richards, his brother. “He fought pretty good there to the end, until it was his time.”
Richards, who hosted a show called “ESPN Outdoors,” which featured hunting and fishing, following his retirement from football.