Following the conclusion of his college football journey with the BYU Cougars and Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, Golden Richards transitioned into the NFL as a standout receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. Known for both his exceptional athleticism and distinctive flowing blond hair, Richards made a lasting impact during his time on the NFL field before bidding farewell to his active career in the 1990s.
As NFL enthusiasts eagerly shifted their focus from the Kansas City Chiefs’ historic win to the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine, disheartening news emerged concerning Richards.
Golden Richards dies at 73
Golden Richards passed away at the age of 73 due to congestive heart failure at his residence in Murray. According to reports from Deseret News, he battled drug abuse issues for several years leading up to his passing.
Lance Richards, Golden’s nephew, confirmed the news of his uncle’s passing through a heartfelt Facebook post. Lance reminisced about their shared memories of hunting and discussing Dallas Cowboys football, describing Golden as a kind and gentle soul. He expressed relief that Golden was no longer enduring 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, per ESPN.
Golden’s brother, Doug Richards, shared that Golden experienced health challenges, including breaking his hip on Christmas in 2022, which resulted in four hip surgeries.
“Seven or eight years of wear and tear on the football field for a 175-pound wide receiver who was concussed several times, too. That obviously took its toll. He has left us and gone to a better place. He fought pretty good there to the end, until it was his time,” Doug Richards said.
Before his passing, Golden Richards endured three divorces and is survived by two sons and a two-year-old grandson. In his later years, he lived with his adult sons, Goldie Jr. and Jordan, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011.
Looking back at Golden Richards’s NFL career
Throughout his NFL career, Golden Richards was renowned for his impactful seven-season NFL career with Dallas, Chicago, and Denver. The former BYU player left a lasting legacy as a deep-play threat during his five-plus seasons with the Cowboys.
He showcased his skills by recording a career-high five touchdowns in 1974 and maintaining an impressive average of over 21 yards per catch in the 1975 and 1976 seasons. Richards’ ability to consistently exceed a 21-yard per catch average marked his valuable contribution to the Cowboys, where he concluded his Cowboys tenure with an 18.3 career mark.
Notably, the University of Hawaii standout played a crucial role in the 1978 Super Bowl against Denver, securing a 29-yard touchdown pass from running back Robert Newhouse in the fourth quarter. His heroic play contributed to the Cowboys’ triumphant 27-10 victory.
Meanwhile, after being traded to the Chicago Bears during the 1978 season and encountering an injury that curtailed his 1979 season, the former Cowboys star briefly joined the Denver Broncos before retiring in 1980. His career statistics include 122 receptions for 2,136 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Though he is no longer in the world, through his stellar resume, he will remain in the hearts of NFL fans.
