Golden Richards, beloved former NFL wide receiver has died – below we learn about his wife, children and wiki.
Golden Richards, the former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver whose touchdown catch sealed the 1978 Super Bowl, died at his Utah home on Friday morning aged 73.
In this article, we learn about Golden Richards wife, children and family.
Golden Richards wife
Former NFL wide receiver Golden Richards was married three times throughout his life.
Golden Richards married his first wife Barbara Johnson, who was his high school sweetheart.
The couple had no children and divorced in 1984 after Richards suffered a massive overdose as a result of his longtime drug addiction.
Golden Richards’ first wife Barbara Johnson recollected how he charmingly got drugs by utilising his personality and that they had to divorce because she kept trying to help him and he turned her down.
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Barbara said of the overdose that ended their marriage: “It was the old Gee-I-have-a-toothache-is-there-a-doctor-who-can-get-me-a-prescription line,” Barbara said. “And they did, and it was a pretty serious drug. I can’t remember what it was, but it was something you wouldn’t want to mess around with. And he took a lot.
“By nine o’clock he was pretty out of it, and by ten you could tell he wasn’t all there. Then he started seizing and turning blue.”
Golden Richards and his first wife Barbara separated in March 1984.
“I couldn’t put up with it anymore,” Barbara said. “And I became the bad person, the cause of Golden’s troubles.”
Golden Richards second wife has little details known about her, but they divorced after a massive fight – at least that’s what he claims.
Golden Richards married his third wife Amy, circa 1995. They welcomed two children – Goldie Jr. and Jordan.
The legendary wide receiver tragically passed away on February 23, 2024.
He died of congestive heart failure at his home in Murray, Utah.
Golden Richards was 73 years old at the time of his passing.
His nephew, Lance Richards, confirmed the news in a heartfelt Facebook post, expressing relief that Golden was no longer suffering.
“My uncle Golden passed away peacefully this morning. 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,” Lance Richards wrote.
Golden Richards net worth at the time of his -psasing in 2024 was believed to be around $4m.
Golden Richards Wiki
John “Golden” Richards (December 31, 1950 – February 23, 2024) was an American professional football player who left an indelible mark on the NFL. His life was a rollercoaster of success, struggle, and ultimate tragedy.
Richards played college football for the BYU Cougars and the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. His speed, agility, and deep-play threat abilities caught the attention of NFL scouts.
Drafted in the second round by the Dallas Cowboys in 1973, Richards quickly became a fan favorite.
Known for his flowing blond hair, he spent seven seasons in the NFL with the Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Denver Broncos.
Richards was a key part of the Cowboys’ Super Bowl XII victory in 1978.
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In that game, he made an improbable catch when fullback Robert Newhouse threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to him, securing the Cowboys’ second championship.
The Catch
Golden Richards, the former Dallas Cowboys receiver, had a memorable moment during Super Bowl XII in 1978.
The Cowboys were facing the Denver Broncos, and with the Cowboys leading 20-10 in the fourth quarter, quarterback Roger Staubach pitched the ball to running back Robert Newhouse.
In a crucial play, Newhouse threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Richards. Golden Richards got behind the defense, securing the Cowboys’ second championship and etching his name into Super Bowl history.
His deep-play threat abilities and that remarkable catch remain a lasting memory for football fans. 🏈🌟
Post-NFL Struggles
After retiring from football, Richards faced health problems and drug addiction.
His battles with injuries and concussions took a toll on his well-being.
Despite these challenges, he remained sober over his final 10 years.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011, Richards continued to fight until the end.
Richards lived with his adult sons, Goldie Jr. and Jordan, in his later years.
His brother, Doug Richards, described him as a fighter who endured until it was his time.
On Christmas 2022, he broke his hip and underwent four hip surgeries.
Richards passed away peacefully at his home in Murray, Utah, due to congestive heart failure.
Known as “Birdie” during his football career, the origins of this moniker are not widely documented, but it likely emerged from his distinctive playing style or perhaps a personal connection.
Unfortunately, specific details about the exact reason behind the nickname remain elusive.
Nevertheless, “Birdie” became an endearing and memorable part of his identity both on and off the field. 🏈🦅
Super Bowl XII
Super Bowll XII, where Golden Richards made his iconic catch, was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Dallas Cowboys and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Denver Broncos to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1977 season.
The Cowboys defeated the Broncos 27–10 to win their second Super Bowl.
The game was played on January 15, 1978, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.
The game pitted Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach against their former quarterback, Craig Morton.
According to Wikipedia, “the Cowboys put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter when fullback Robert Newhouse threw a 29-yard touchdown pass on a halfback option play to receiver Golden Richards,”
For the first and only time, two players won Super Bowl MVP honors: defensive tackle Randy White and defensive end Harvey Martin.
This was also the first time that a defensive lineman was named Super Bowl MVP.
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