Tony Richardson (American football)

Infobox NFLactive


name=Tony Richardson
currentteam=New York Jets
currentnumber=49
currentpositionplain=Fullback
birthdate=birth date and age|1971|12|17
birthplace=Frankfurt, Germany
heightft=6
heightin=1
weight=238
debutyear=1995
debutteam=Kansas City Chiefs
college=Auburn
undraftedyear=1994
pastteams=
* Dallas Cowboys (1994) *
* Kansas City Chiefs (1995-2005)
* Minnesota Vikings (2006-2007)
* New York Jets (2008-present):*Offseason and/or practice squad member only
status=Active
highlights=
* 4x Pro Bowl selection (2003, 2004, 2005, 2007)
* 2x All-Pro selection (2004, 2007)
nfl=RIC389026

Antonio "Tony" Richardson (born December 12, 1971 in Frankfurt, Germany), is an American football fullback for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 1994. He played college football at Auburn.

Richardson spent 11 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs from 1995 to 2005 and earned three Pro Bowl selections with the team. He was named to the Pro Bowl for a fourth time in 2007 with the Minnesota Vikings.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Richardson was not drafted by any team, and entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent signed to the Dallas Cowboys in 1994. He spent most of his time on the practice squad and was eventually released by the team.

Kansas City Chiefs

Richardson signed with Kansas City in February of 1995. He started one game in that season, and was noted for blocking Marcus Allen on his way to his 100th career touchdown. He later became the starting fullback for the team, paving the way for Priest Holmes to run over NFL defenses. He was selected to represent the AFC in the 2003, 2004, and 2005 Pro Bowls.

Minnesota Vikings

A free agent in the 2006 offseason, Richardson signed with the Minnesota Vikings. He was selected to represent the NFC in the 2008 Pro Bowl after paving the way for Rookie of the Year Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. At the end of the 2007-2008 season, the Vikings did not re-sign Richardson, opting to pay for the cheaper Thomas Tapeh.

New York Jets

On March 6, 2008, Richardson signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets. He will now block for Thomas Jones.

Personal

His father, Sergeant Major Ben Richardson, was stationed in Germany when Tony was born, and he grew up the first eight years of his life in Germany. When they returned to the U.S., the family lived in Daleville, Alabama, where Tony excelled as a three-sport letterman in football, basketball, and track & field. He attended Auburn University, where he started most of his four seasons as a fullback for the team, accumulating 162 carries for 715 yards and nine touchdowns. He received his Bachelor of Education degree in 2000, and later got his MBA from Webster University in 2004. Off the field, Richardson is very involved with local charities. He hosts the Kansas City chapter of the annual Special Olympics Punt, Pass & Kick competition, and has served as chairman of many charitable organizations and fundraisers. In 2002, he was nominated by his team for the NFL Man of the Year award.Richardson is also a member of the NFLPA executive committee. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3302312]

External links

* [http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/player/1327-tony-richadson New York Jets bio]