Golden Richards, the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver and NFL legend known for his famous catch against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 12, passed away on Friday, his family announced. He was 78 years old.
Richards died of congestive heart failure at his home in Murray, Utah, the NFL legend’s nephew said in a Facebook post. KSL Sports.
“My uncle Golden passed away peacefully this morning,” Lance Richards wrote, according to the newspaper. “I’ll always remember going hunting and talking about Dallas Cowboy football. He was a kind and gentle person, and I’m so glad he’s not suffering anymore.”
Richards from BYU. 1973 NFL Draft 2nd round By the Dallas Cowboys. He played in 12 games during his rookie season in 1974 and eventually established himself as a starter in his second season.
#RIP Golden Richards
Super Bowl 12
Robert Newhouse throws a TD pass to Golden Richards#DallasCowboys
pic.twitter.com/xq0NdT7L5O— Old Time Football🏈 (@Ol_TimeFootball) February 24, 2024
In Dallas, Richards played over five seasons, but eventually lost his starting role during the 1978 season. Eventually, he was traded to the Chicago Bears and appeared in a total of 20 games for the team in 1978 and 1979.
He joined the Denver Broncos in 1980, but was injured late in the season and never played for the team. Shortly thereafter, Richards retired. (Related: NBA Legend Robert Reed dies at 68)
Richards’ biggest claim to fame was the catch he made against the Broncos in Super Bowl XII. Richards caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from Robert Newhouse, clinching the Cowboys’ victory.
