| No. 30, 31, 42 | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Wide receiver | ||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||
| Born | (1941-07-18)July 18, 1941 Greenville, Mississippi, U.S. | ||||||||||||
| Died | February 27, 2020(2020-02-27) (aged 78) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | ||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||||||
| Weight | 200 lb (91 kg) | ||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||
| High school | Greenville (MS) Coleman | ||||||||||||
| College | Jackson State | ||||||||||||
| AFL draft | 1965: 7th round, 50th overall pick | ||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||
| Awards and highlights | |||||||||||||
| Career AFL/NFL statistics | |||||||||||||
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Gloster Van Richardson (July 18, 1942 – February 27, 2020) was a professionalAmerican footballwide receiver in theNational Football League (NFL) for theKansas City Chiefs,Dallas Cowboys, andCleveland Browns. He playedcollege football atJackson State College.
Born and raised inGreenville, Mississippi, Richardson graduated from its Coleman High School and playedcollege football at nearbyJackson State College. He was a two-time All-Conference choice.
Richardson was selected in the seventh round (50th overall) of the1965 AFL draft by theKansas City Chiefs.[1] He spent two years on thetaxi squad, before making the team in1967. His most productive season was1968, where he made 22 receptions for 494 yards, 5 touchdowns and a 22.5-yard average per reception.
He was a part of the world championship season in1969 which ended with a victory inSuper Bowl IV. In1970, although he started 7 games, he only posted 5 receptions for 171 yards and 2 touchdowns.
On April 18,1971, he was traded to the defending NFC championDallas Cowboys in exchange forwide receiverDennis Homan.[2]
In1971, Richardson was used mainly as a reserve player behindBob Hayes andLance Alworth, registering 4 starts, 8 receptions for 170 yards, 3 touchdowns and a 21.3-yard average per reception. The Cowboys wonSuper Bowl VI that season.
On July 31,1972, he was traded to theOakland Raiders in exchange for a fourth round draft choice (#97-Ken Hutcherson).[3]
In the1972 preseason, Richardson became expendable with the play shown by rookie wide receiversCliff Branch andMike Siani.[4] On September 11,1972, he was traded to theCleveland Browns in exchange for a fourth round draft choice (#93-Morris Bradshaw).[5]
During his three seasons with theCleveland Browns, he was mainly used as a reserve player, making a total of 22 receptions for 448 yards and 3 touchdowns. On February 10,1975, he announced his retirement.[6]
Five of Richardson's brothers also played football at Jackson State.Willie Richardson became an NFLAll-Pro wide receiver for theBaltimore Colts,Tom Richardson played for theBoston Patriots and Ernie Richardson for theCleveland Browns. He died on February 27, 2020, at the age of 78.[7]