July 18, 2016
The Carolina Panthers Partners, whose members helped bolster the Carolinas’ NFL expansion efforts, presented owner/founder Jerry Richardson and his family with a sculpture designed by noted California artist Todd Andrews in honor of Richardson’s 80th birthday today.
The sculpture stands at the North Gate entrance of Bank of America Stadium and depicts Richardson presenting the gift of NFL football to the people of the Carolinas flanked by two roaring panthers. At the base of the sculpture, titled “The Tribute,” is an inscription that reads: The Indomitable Spirits who guard our stadium were led here by a man who took us beyond where others even imagined. In this place, for this place – his relentless drive inspired a display of unity in the Carolinas worthy of the world’s stage. On the occasion of Jerry Richardson’s 80th birthday, this sculpture is dedicated and commissioned as a loving gift to him and his family by his partners.
“We are honored to present this extraordinary work of art to Jerry on his 80th birthday,” Panthers partners Steve and Jerry Wordsworth said. “It will always represent a symbol of heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the Richardson family for everything they have done for us as partners, fans and the community.”
Andrews’ journey with the Panthers organization began 25 years ago when he was commissioned to create the original six ‘’Indomitable Spirit” Panthers sculptures that guard all three entrances into Bank of America Stadium and the statues of Mike McCormack and Sam Mills that stand on the North side of the stadium.
“I feel honored that the partners came to me on the occasion of his 80th birthday,” Andrews said. “I’m really proud of that. It’s a continuation of the original ‘Indomitable Spirit’ sculptures. What we’re trying to depict is that it’s as if the Panthers have jumped down off their pedestals. Each panther represents more than one thing. One represents the offense, the other the defense. And because of what they are and who they’re standing next to, they represent North Carolina and South Carolina. And then you take all three of them together, and I think of them as three panthers because Mr. Richardson is definitely a Panther.”
Richardson is a native Carolinian whose dream was to bring NFL football to his home. On October 26, 1993, Richardson became the first former NFL player since George Halas to become an owner when the Carolinas were unanimously awarded the NFL’s 29th franchise. The only person to be inducted into both the North and South Carolina Business and Athletic Halls of Fame, Richardson has firmly established the NFL into the Carolina landscape.
A graduate of Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., Richardson was an All-American wide receiver for the Terriers, is a member of the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame and is one of only two football players to have his number retired.
Richardson was selected in the 1958 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts and capped his rookie season with a touchdown reception from Johnny Unitas in the 1959 NFL Championship victory over the New York Giants.
