Classy Jerry Richardson in fight for his life

Classy Jerry Richardson in fight for his life
December 22
New York Daily News columnist Gary Myers
"Jerry Richardson, the owner of the Carolina Panthers, will not be at Giants Stadium Sunday night for the game of the year in the NFC, and John Mara will miss seeing him.

"He is a great guy," Mara said. "Of the people I've met in my lifetime in the league, he's right at or near the top. He is as genuine as they come. He is one of the most beloved owners in the league."

Richardson, 72, is home in Charlotte hoping to clear the waiting list for a heart transplant. He had quadruple bypass surgery in 2002 and had a pacemaker installed last month. Ten days ago, it was revealed that doctors determined Richardson needs a heart transplant.

As a rookie wide receiver for the Colts in 1959, Richardson caught what turned out to be the winning touchdown pass from Johnny Unitas in Baltimore's 31-16 victory over the Giants in the NFL Championship Game. He is the first former player since George Halas to become an owner in the league. He played two seasons with the Colts.

"How many owners can say that?" Mara said. "He's done everything. He's a self-made man all the way. He started his own business and grew it. He ended up buying an NFL team and is one of the best owners in the sport."

Mara has been checking up on him through Richardson's son, Mark, the Panthers' president, and wrote a note to Jerry. The families are very close. Jerry Richardson spent time at Wellington Mara's bedside in his final days before he died in 2005.

Richardson surprised his players by showing up in his box in the end zone for the Panthers' victory last week at home against the Broncos. He is beloved in his locker room. He is respected and influential in NFL circles.

According to the American Heart Association, there is a five-year survival rate of 72% for heart transplant recipients. There are more than 2,000 transplants performed in the United States every year. Richardson has been placed on the United Network for Organ Sharing waiting list.

The median wait is two months for a donor match at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, where Richardson will have the procedure done if a donor is found. But it could also take much longer. There are 2,700 people nationwide on the waiting list; six at CMC.

"It's not exactly a slam-dunk procedure, but they are as optimistic as they can be," Mara said. "Mark said his dad's spirits are very good."

Roger Goodell, then Paul Tagliabue's right-hand man, worked closely on the expansion process when the Panthers were awarded a franchise in 1993 to begin play in 1995. He spent time with Richardson when he was in the hospital two weeks ago."
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