Golden Richards, the former Dallas Cowboys receiver known for his Hollywood good looks, flowing blonde hair, blazing speed and sensational Super Bowl catches, has died. He was 73 years old.
Richards' nephew, Lance, shared the news of his uncle's death in a Facebook post.
“Uncle Golden passed away peacefully this morning,” Lance Richards posted. “I'll always remember going hunting and talking about Dallas Cowboy football. He was a kind and gentle person, and I'm so glad he's not suffering anymore.”
Cowboys select Richards
The Cowboys selected Richards in the second round of the 1973 NFL Draft. Richards grew up in Utah and played at BYU and then Hawaii. The receiver also excelled in the return game and was a big threat from deep. In college, he wore the number 22 in honor of his favorite player, Bob Hayes, an Olympic gold medalist and Cowboys star. When he arrived in Dallas, Richards switched to an 83 and was the fastest man on the team.
Richards played five of his seven NFL seasons with the Cowboys. He averaged 18.3 yards per catch and specialized in catching bombs thrown by Roger Stback. But Richards' most famous play was in Super Bowl 12 when he caught a pass from fullback Robert Newhouse and helped seal the victory over the Broncos. Staubach tossed the ball to Newhouse, who lifted it toward Richards. It didn't matter that the pass wavered in the air. Richards was so far behind Denver's secondary that all Newhouse had to do was get the ball close to the Cowboys' receivers.
Brad Shum, the longtime voice of the Dallas Cowboys, shared his thoughts on Richards' death.
“Rest in Peace Golden Richards. One of the most exciting Dallas Cowboys of the 70's. A joy to be around and an honor to help tell his story.”
After leaving the NFL in 1980, Richards had a turbulent life, struggling with addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs. In 2011, doctors diagnosed him with Parkinson's disease. Golden's brother, Doug Richards, told the Deseret News that Golden had been sober for the past 10 years. Richards fell on Christmas Day 2022 and broke his hip. He has since undergone four surgeries and his health has deteriorated significantly, his brother said.
“The 175-pound wide receiver was worn out on the football field for seven or eight years and had multiple concussions,” Doug Richards said. “It obviously took its toll.”
Richards died Friday morning at his home in Utah. He leaves behind two sons, Goldie and Jordan, and a young grandson, Jett.
