NEW DELHI: Golden Richards, the former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver renowned for his flowing blond hair and iconic touchdown catch in the 1978 Super Bowl, passed away at the age of 73 on Friday. The cause of death was congestive heart failure, confirmed by Richards' nephew, Lance Richards, in a heartfelt Facebook post.
Lance Richards wrote, "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."
A standout at Brigham Young University (BYU), Golden Richards enjoyed a seven-season career in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Denver Broncos. He made a significant impact during his five-plus seasons with the Cowboys, establishing himself as a deep-play threat with an impressive career average of 18.3 yards per catch.
One of the defining moments of Richards' career came in the 1978 Super Bowl against the Denver Broncos. With the Cowboys leading 20-10 in the fourth quarter, fullback Robert Newhouse executed a gadget play, throwing a 29-yard touchdown pass to Richards. The play proved pivotal, securing the Cowboys their second championship.
In total, Richards accumulated 122 receptions for 2,136 yards and 17 touchdowns before retiring in 1980 due to injuries. Born in Salt Lake City, Richards excelled at Granite High School and continued to shine at BYU, where he led the nation as a junior with four returns for touchdowns as a receiver and punt returner.
After his football career, Richards faced health problems and battled drug addiction, but he managed to stay sober over his final decade. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2011, he spent his later years with his adult sons, Goldie Jr. and Jordan. Despite facing challenges, Richards continued to fight until the end.
"He has left us and gone to a better place," said Doug Richards, Golden's brother. "He fought pretty good there to the end, until it was his time."
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