Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Golden Richards passed away at the age of 73 due to congestive heart failure, as reported by Jay Drew of the Deseret News. Richards, a resident of Murray, Utah, breathed his last on Friday at his home.
In a heartfelt tribute on social media, Lance Richards, his nephew, fondly recalled their shared experiences of hunting and discussing Dallas Cowboys football. Lance described his uncle as a gentle and amiable soul and expressed relief that Golden was no longer enduring suffering.
According to Doug Richards, Golden’s brother, the former athlete’s health had been in decline following a fall on Christmas Day in 2022, which resulted in a hip fracture necessitating four surgeries.
This incident compounded his health challenges, as he had been battling Parkinson’s disease since 2011, with his mental faculties deteriorating rapidly in recent times.
Despite a relatively brief NFL career spanning seven seasons, Golden Richards left an indelible mark, particularly in postseason play. He showcased his prowess by making crucial plays, including memorable touchdowns during the Cowboys’ championship campaigns.
One of his standout moments came during Super Bowl XII, where Richards secured a pivotal touchdown, extending the Cowboys’ lead with a spectacular catch from a trick play orchestrated by fullback Robert Newhouse.
His contributions were not limited to the Super Bowl, as he also played pivotal roles in NFC Championship Games, catching touchdowns from legendary quarterback Roger Staubach in both 1975 and 1977 victories.
Originally drafted by the Cowboys in the second round of the 1973 NFL Draft, Richards spent the majority of his career in Dallas before eventually being traded to the Chicago Bears after losing his starting position to Tony Hill.
The Cowboys received draft picks in exchange for Richards, marking the end of his tenure in Dallas. Subsequently, he played for the Bears for two seasons and briefly joined the Denver Broncos, concluding his professional football career.
In total, Richards amassed 122 receptions for 2,136 yards and 17 touchdowns throughout his NFL journey. He is survived by his two adult sons, Goldie Jr. and Jordan, as well as a young grandson named Jett. Details regarding funeral arrangements are yet to be finalized.
