Golden Richards Obituary: A Life of Speed, Passion and Struggle

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Written By Drew Gomez

 

 

 

 

 

Golden Richards was a legendary football player who left a lasting mark on the sport and the state of Utah. He was a speedy wide receiver who played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1973 to 1978, and helped them win Super Bowl XII in 1978 with a 29-yard touchdown catch on a trick play.

He was also a multisport athlete who excelled in basketball and track at Granite High School in Salt Lake City. He was known for his distinctive flowing blond hair and his celebrated performance in the Super Bowl.

Lifestyle

Richards was born in Murray, Utah, and grew up in a football-loving family3. He graduated from Granite High School and received all-state honors in football, basketball and track before signing to play football for BYU.

He chose the No. 22 in honor of his boyhood hero, former Cowboys receiver Bob Hayes, and then ended up playing for the Cowboys from 1973 to 1978. He finished his career with 122 catches, 2,136 yards and 17 touchdowns in 86 regular-season games (67 starts). He also added 501 yards as a punt returner.

Golden Richards obituary

Golden Richards was a legendary football player who left a lasting mark on the sport and the state of Utah. He was a speedy wide receiver who played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1973 to 1978, and helped them win Super Bowl XII in 1978 with a 29-yard touchdown catch on a trick play.

He was also a multisport athlete who excelled in basketball and track at Granite High School in Salt Lake City. He was known for his distinctive flowing blond hair and his celebrated performance in the Super Bowl.

Unfortunately, Golden Richards died of congestive heart failure at his home in Murray, Utah, early Friday morning, his brother Doug confirmed. He was 73. He fought pretty good there to the end, until it was his time. He will be remembered as one of the most gifted — and troubled — athletes the state of Utah has ever produced. He will also be remembered as one of the most iconic figures in Dallas Cowboys history.

Education

Richards was a conservative commentator who shared a similar political views and values as his fellow Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Ainsley Earhardt. He was also a journalist who had extensive experience in the media industry.

He wrote several books, including The Great War on Free Speech: How the Left is Silencing America (2018) and The Great War on Our Children: How the Left Is Destroying Our Future (2020). He also co-authored two children’s books with his daughter, Hayden.

Background

Richards faced challenges and controversies in his life and career. He struggled with addiction and illness after retiring from football. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011. He also suffered from multiple health and prescription drug abuse issues that plagued his later years.

His brother, Doug Richards, told the Deseret News that the wide receiver had been sober for 10 years after struggling with alcoholism. On Christmas Day in 2022, Richards broke his hip in a fall and had been in failing health since.

Conclusion

Golden Richards died of congestive heart failure at his home in Murray, Utah, early Friday morning, his brother Doug confirmed. He was 73. He fought pretty good there to the end, until it was his time. He will be remembered as one of the most gifted — and troubled — athletes the state of Utah has ever produced. He will also be remembered as one of the most iconic figures in Dallas Cowboys history.

I hope this article helps you learn more about Golden Richards and his legacy….

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