Golden Richards, the renowned receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who scored a touchdown pass off a gadget play in the 1978 Super Bowl and was noted for his flowing blond hair, passed away on Friday at his Murray, Oklahoma, home from congestive heart failure. He was seventy-three.
Lance Richards, Richards’ nephew, posted on Facebook to confirm the death.
Lance Richards commented, “My uncle Golden passed away peacefully this morning.” “I’ll never forget going hunting and having conversations about Dallas Cowboy football. He had a gentle and loving spirit, and I’m glad he’s no longer in pain.
Having played for seven seasons in the NFL with Dallas, Chicago, and Denver, the former standout player from BYU is most remembered for his more than five years as a deep-play threat with the Cowboys. During his tenure in Dallas, he averaged over 21 yards per reception twice, culminating in a career total of 18.3.
That was particularly clear when Denver was the opponent in the 1978 Super Bowl. Richards went behind the defense to catch a 29-yard touchdown pass from fullback Robert Newhouse with the Cowboys leading 20-10 in the fourth quarter. The play all but guaranteed the Cowboys their second championship.
Before being forced to retire in 1980 due to injury, Richards concluded his career with 122 receptions for 2,136 yards and 17 touchdowns.
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