Tony Richardson (American football)

Tony Richardson

Richardson during 2009 New York Jets training camp
No. --     Free Agent
Fullback
Personal information
Date of birth: December 17, 1971 (1971-12-17)
Place of birth: Frankfurt, Germany
Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	Weight: 238 lb (108 kg)
Career information
College: Auburn
Undrafted in 1994
Debuted in 1995 for the Kansas City Chiefs
Career history
Dallas Cowboys (1994)* Kansas City Chiefs (1995–2005) Minnesota Vikings (2006–2007) New York Jets (2008–2010) *Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status: Active
Career highlights and awards
3× Pro Bowl selection (2003, 2004, 2007) 2× All-Pro selection (2004, 2007) Marty Lyons Community Service Award (2008) "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year (2010) Walter Payton Award (2010)
Stats at NFL.com

Antonio "Tony" Richardson (born December 12, 1971) is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 1994. He played college football at Auburn.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Richardson has also played for the Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets. He is considered one of the greatest blocking fullbacks in NFL history.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Richardson was not drafted by any team, and entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent signed to the Dallas Cowboys in 1994. He spent most of his time on the practice squad and was eventually released by the team.

Kansas City Chiefs

Richardson signed with Kansas City in February of 1995. He started one game in that season, and was noted for blocking for Marcus Allen on his way to his 100th career touchdown. He later became the starting fullback for the team, blocking for running back Priest Holmes. He was selected to represent the AFC in the 2003, 2004, and 2005 Pro Bowls.

Minnesota Vikings

A free agent in the 2006 offseason, Richardson signed with the Minnesota Vikings. He was selected to represent the NFC in the 2008 Pro Bowl after paving the way for Rookie of the Year Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. At the end of the 2007-2008 season, the Vikings did not re-sign Richardson, opting to pay for the cheaper Thomas Tapeh.

New York Jets

On March 6, 2008, Richardson signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets. He was re-signed by the team on February 27, 2009. Following the expiration of his previous contract, Richardson, once again, signed with the team on March 16, 2010.

The Jets released Richardson on September 5, 2010. A day later, the Jets resigned Richardson upon reaching a deal with cornerback Darelle Revis.

Richardson was the recipient of the "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award at the end of the 2010 season.

Personal

His father, Sergeant Major Ben Richardson, was stationed in Germany when Tony was born, and he grew up the first eight years of his life in Germany. When they returned to the U.S., the family lived in Daleville, Alabama, where Tony excelled as a three-sport letterman in football, basketball, and track & field. He attended Auburn University, where he started most of his four seasons as a fullback for the team, accumulating 162 carries for 715 yards and nine touchdowns. He received his Bachelor of Education degree in 2000, and later got his MBA from Webster University in 2004. Off the field, Richardson is very involved with local charities. He hosts the Kansas City chapter of the annual Special Olympics Punt, Pass & Kick competition, and has served as chairman of many charitable organizations and fundraisers. In 2002, he was nominated by his team for the NFL Man of the Year award. Richardson is also a member of the NFLPA executive committee. He currently resides in Long Island City, Queens, NY.

External links

• New York Jets bio