 Richardson with theToronto Argonauts in 2021 | |
| Profile | |
|---|---|
| Position | Defensive back |
| Personal information | |
| Born | (1992-03-21)March 21, 1992 (age 33) Compton, California, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 191 lb (87 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Los Alamitos(Los Alamitos, California) |
| College | Arizona |
| NFL draft | 2014: 5th round, 157th overall pick |
| Career history | |
| |
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Awards and highlights | |
| Stats atPro Football Reference | |
| Stats at CFL.ca | |
Shaquille "Shaq"Nakeem Richardson (born March 21, 1992) is an American professionalfootballdefensive back. He was selected by thePittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the2014 NFL draft. He playedcollege football atArizona.
Richardson attendedLos Alamitos High School inLos Alamitos, California, where he was an All-Region selection. As a senior, he made 38tackles and fiveinterceptions on defense and 31receptions for 540 yards and fivetouchdowns on offense.
Considered a three-star recruit byRivals.com, he was rated as the 30th bestcornerback prospect of his class.[1]
Richardson originally enrolled in school at UCLA but upon being one of three freshman players dismissed by the team, along with his cousinPaul Richardson andJosh Shirley. After his dismissal, he chose to attend theUniversity of Arizona from 2010 to 2013. In 2010, he played in all 13 games as atrue freshman, starting three. In his first career start againstWashington State, he intercepted two passes. He finished the season with 29 tackles, sevenpass break-ups, one forcedfumble and two picks. In 2011, he played in and started 10 games, recording 47 tackles, a team leading four interceptions (73 yards), five pass break-ups and one forced fumble. In 2012, he played in all 13 games with 11 starts. He recorded 58 total tackles, one interception and 14 pass break-ups. In 2013, he started all 13 games, recording 55 tackles, including three for loss, three interceptions and four pass break-ups.
Richardson was selected by thePittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round (157th overall) of the2014 NFL draft.[2] He was cut from the Steelers 53-man roster prior to the start of the regular season but was then signed to theirpractice squad.
On February 26, 2015, Richardson signed a one-year deal with theKansas City Chiefs.[3] He was waived by the Chiefs on April 21.[4]
Richardson signed with theWinnipeg Blue Bombers on May 27, 2015.[5] He was released on June 20, 2015.[6]
On July 31, 2015, Richardson was signed by theArizona Cardinals.[7] On August 31, 2015, he was cut by the Cardinals.[8]
Richardson was signed by theCalgary Stampeders of theCanadian Football League (CFL) on October 6, 2015.[9]
On November 17, 2015, Richardson was signed to theTennessee Titans' practice squad.
On May 17, 2016, Richardson signed a 2-year, $960,000 contract with theCarolina Panthers.[10] He was waived on July 14, 2016.
Richardson played in nine games, starting two, for the Stampeders in 2016. He then played in 18 games, all starts, in 2017.[11]
On January 9, 2018, Richardson signed a reserve/future contract with theOakland Raiders.[12] He waswaived/injured on August 6, 2018, and was placed oninjured reserve.[13] He was released on August 23, 2018.
Richardson later joined theArizona Hotshots of theAlliance of American Football. He was placed on injured reserve on January 30, 2019.[14] He was activated from injured reserve on March 6, 2019. The league ceased operations in April 2019.[15]
In October 2019, Richardson was signed to the practice roster of theToronto Argonauts of the CFL, and then later promoted to their active roster.[16] He signed a contract extension with the Argonauts on January 14, 2021.[17] In 2021, Richardson was named aCFL East Division all-star. He would also go on to win the109th Grey Cup with the Argonauts during the2022 CFL season. He became a free agent upon the expiry of his contract on February 14, 2023.[18]
On August 16, 2023, Richardson signed with the Stampeders.[19] He became afree agent upon the expiry of his contract on February 13, 2024.[20]
Richardson's cousin iswide receiverPaul Richardson.
