Dallas Cowboys Receiver Golden Richards dies

Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Golden Richards has died of congestive heart failure at his home in Utah. He was 73.

Richards was known for his flowing blond hair and famously caught a touchdown pass off a gadget play in the 1978 Super Bowl.

Lance Richards, nephew of Golden Richards, confirmed the news in a Facebook post, reports the Associated Press.

He wrote in the post that his uncle Golden breathed his last peacefully this morning.  He will forever remember going hunting and talking Dallas Cowboy football.

Golden Richards finished seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with Dallas, Chicago and Denver.

The former BYU star was best known for his five-plus seasons as a deep-play threat with the Cowboys.

Before injuries prompted him to retire in 1980, Richards completed his career with 122 receptions for 2,136 yards and 17 TDs.

By catching 23 passes for 414 yards and five touchdowns, Richards played his final college season at Hawaii.

According to The Deseret News, after retiring, Richards struggled with health problems and drug addiction but was sober over his final 10 years.

Richards, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011, lived with adult sons Goldie Jr. and Jordan in his later years.

In 2022, Golden Richards broke his hip on Christmas and had four hip surgeries, said his brother Doug Richards.