Tony Richardson (NFL)
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| Tony Richardson (NFL) | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | December 12, 1971 |
| Place of birth | Frankfurt, Germany |
| Position(s) | Fullback |
| College | Auburn University |
| Pro Bowls | 2003, 2004, 2005 |
| Statistics | |
| Team(s) | |
| 1995–2005 2006–present |
Kansas City Chiefs Minnesota Vikings |
Antonio Richardson (born December 12, 1971 in Frankfurt, Germany), is a fullback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.
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.
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, but was released by the team and 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, and has paved 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. His stint with the Chiefs ended when he was signed by the Minnesota Vikings. Many wonder how Kansas City's running game will develop without Richardson in the backfield (so far the only thing that has suffered is their yards per carry; the total yardage is comparable to previous seasons).
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.
