One of the features I’m especially pleased that we introduced seven years ago is our Champions program, which has told compelling and inspirational stories of 42 pioneers and innovators since 2010. We conclude our 2016 profiles with one close to my heart: Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson.
Since moving to Charlotte in 1998, I have watched how “Mr. Richardson” (that’s how I’ll always refer to him) runs his organization, treats fans, conducts league business and maintains a leadership position in his community.
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Jerry Richardson, on the field before the Panthers’ playoff game against Seattle on Jan. 17, is joined by former Red Bull NA Chair Dan Ginsberg, CBS News executive producer Chris Licht, Chicago radio personality Christopher “Brotha’ Fred” Frederick and Madkour.
Photo by: HUNTLEY PATON
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I remember the first time I spotted him having lunch with his wife at Dean & DeLuca in the South Park area of Charlotte, later walking arm-in-arm on a sunny day and talking to those who stopped to say hi. I jotted him a note, and days later there was his message on my voicemail acknowledging my card but firmly, yet politely, suggesting that next time I stop and say hello to him and Rosalind.
I remember my friends texting me from a local pub on a late Monday evening in July 2011. Mr. Richardson had surprisingly and quietly walked into our favorite bar, where he sat alone and ordered a late dinner. It was the night the NFL had ended its 132-day lockout and reached agreement on a new labor deal. Knowing of his important role in getting the deal done in Washington, D.C., that day, I told my buddies to congratulate him on his work and the new collective-bargaining agreement. They did, and a short time later, texted me back: Mr. Richardson had paid for their beers, unbeknownst to them, before he left. They still talk about that gesture.
Over the years, I’ve admired Mr. Richardson’s emphasis on running a first-class organization, with a steely focus on customer service, attention to detail and establishing a clean, classy look and feel at Bank of America Stadium, one of the most underrated venues in sports. He engenders great player and staff loyalty, and he is known for his direct nature but also his empathy.
Across the Carolinas, fans have admired and appreciated his focus on doing things the right way. This year, while the team was rolling toward the Super Bowl, I closely watched fans one Sunday afternoon in the lower bowl before kickoff turn around and look up at Mr. Richardson, who was sitting in his suite with his customary large Bojangles’ cup of iced tea before him. “Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!” they shouted continuously, in unison, pumping their fist in the air for minutes on end as he acknowledged them with a slight smile and wave.
Some time ago, I approached team President Danny Morrison and said that we would like to name Mr. Richardson a Champion of Sports Business; that we truly wanted to tell his story and share it with our readers. He is our hometown NFL owner, with his office just a stone’s throw from ours, and we know the impact he’s had on this city and region.
Danny supported the idea, but was honest — and we knew — about the challenge of getting the boss’s buy-in. Mr. Richardson adamantly wants to be out of the limelight. So it took time and patience, on our end and Mr. Richardson’s. We kept pushing forward; it took a few meals together and a number of handwritten notes — Mr. Richardson’s prompt responses written carefully in black ink that were photocopied and emailed as a PDF.
Eventually, we developed a comfort level to move ahead. Actually, I’m sure Mr. Richardson was always uncomfortable by the focus on him during this process; he seriously avoids publicity or attention. But I’m glad he trusted us to tell his story — a story I’m proud is in the pages of SportsBusiness Journal, sharply written by Bill King and smartly edited by Tom Stinson.
Jerry Richardson is a man of integrity, honesty and character. He is not perfect nor is he a saint. But he is genuine and continually tries to do the right thing.
I feel very fortunate to call him a friend. Sports needs more people like him.
Abraham D. Madkour can be reached at amadkour@sportsbusinessjournal.com.
