THE GENEROUS GRIDIRON GIANT GIVES BACK

True trailblazers guide the way to a brighter future. They may stand in the center of the spotlight, but they always showcase a spot for humanity to shine.

This kind of pure and joyful energy radiates when you are in the same room as Tony Richardson. The generous spirit and support he gives to the community are rooted in his belief system. Considered one of the most innovative players of his generation, there is no denying that Richardson has a rather impressive background. The formidable NFL player’s career is wideranging and his status in the community is deeply meaningful. Defining his public persona comes with chapters of enthralling poetry. His storied background is full of highlights as impressive as the game he played as a professional athlete.

He always throughout his career had a big heart for the game, so when he shut the door in the locker room, he took on a new role model position with NFL Legends, which eventually led to the crowning achievement of being named NFL Legends Community Director. The inspirational journey has also led to him being an instrumental part of several spinoff programs. Motivated by his own family’s history in the military, he now proudly serves as a guiding force with such organizations as Merging Vets & Players. Bringing combat veterans and former pro athletes together, the foundation falls in line with Richardson’s principles to actively support past and present American heroes. He shines a light on their needs for mental health and universal equality.

Richardson spent a remarkable 17 seasons in the NFL. After the one year with the Dallas Cowboys, the pro would play 11 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and two with the Minnesota Vikings, earning three trips to the Pro Bowl. His incredible ability and team player reputation led the Jets to reach out when he became a free agent in 2008. With the New York team for three seasons, he had a memorable time with them in the 2010 playoffs.

“I’ve always known how important mental health is in life,” he reflects. “I struggled with it when I left football. I went from having a team for 17 years and I had my best friends to go to work every single day. And then suddenly you retire. You still have friends, but then to me it was a different level. It was important to recreate that locker room feeling. And that’s our main model with NFL legends. It’s creating an environment where guys know that we’re still a team and we still have each other to lean on. It’s that same wonderful aspect that I really loved most about what I do for MVP.”

The global undertaking of his history helps paint the picture of what true leadership looks like across America today. He joins a class of rare and special individuals who are recognized for their physical capabilities as much as by the way they issue a plan to help so many people win at the great game of life.

At a moment when society’s problems can seem insurmountable, it is so inspiring to see Richardson’s guiding light and philanthropic endeavors combined to create a leading changemaker. He is an advocate and philanthropist who has fresh perspectives and is always willing to share groundbreaking ideas to help charities and foundations. He can make an appearance at an event, but the fans leave with so much more than an autograph. They take home with them a meaningful moment full of lessons of humble gratitude.

A magnetic and multifaceted presence, the kind that doesn’t come around very often, the retired football player doesn’t shy away from using his star power to help the future generations carve out a prosperous road. He leads the journey of many young and upcoming NFL players just as much as he takes the time to teach the importance of combating bullying in elementary schools. He prays to his maker with the same ease he kneels before a military vet. Richardson humbly takes on the position of gratitude. He is proud of what he does daily to inspire a better tomorrow.

“I can say I never say work because it’s not work,” Richardson expresses. “It simply is what I should be doing. It is my path, and I am very fortunate to be in a position to help others.”

The charismatic celebrities and famous sports stars of the world don’t have to take these measurements, but the heroic TRich who is forever branded as number 49 from his jersey wearing days does and he does it as he deploys his infectious smile to all those who stand before him to shake his hand.

Opportune moments to help others and be a guiding light from this strong-willed man who fights against society’s expectations of what a famous person is deserves applause. But don’t expect TRich to take it willingly. He would rather share it any given Sunday or day for that matter. He is an ethos on how to wield influence. Simply put, Richardson is the gridiron great who puts generosity above all else.

Doing things with positive intent and impact has never been more vital. We honor this changemaker and the innovators who are leading the world to a more viable future. His unwavering work in the community proves that when ingenuity, imagination, meet purpose and grit, the human capacity for problem solving is boundless.