The woman also addressed the Panthers' general counsel, calling them "enablers" of the alleged misconduct . Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. FILE - Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson speaks during a news conference for the NFL football team in . After great interest from the market, in May 2018 Richardson finalized a sale to billionaire and then Pittsburgh Steelers minority owner David Tepper for an NFL record sales price of $2.2 billion. Jerry L. Richardson, 64, Leesburg, passed away, surrounded by a loving circle of family and dear friends, at 10:50 a.m. Friday, Jan. 8, following admission the previous morning at Kosciusko Community Hospital. In fact, Allen is Richardson's grandson. They, however, remained part of the ownership group. "The Carolina Panthers are a testament to his extraordinary and tireless dedication to the community. Most recently, Richardson's statue was removed from Bank of America Stadium, which is a testament to how far the Panthers founder has fallen in the eyes of our society. 77. Richardson leaves behind a complicated legacy. The women would be escorted by Richardsons assistant, who would then depart, leaving the owner alone with a junior employee. Pastor W. Lloyd Brock will officiate. "I was able to become the player that I became because of him, because he encouraged and motivated me to Keep Pounding. He believed in me when no one else did. I said, Yes sir, it did. He said, thats a good thing everything will be OK. And then he hung up the phone.. Published by Rosser Funeral Home - Cleburne on Apr. He was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1959 and caught a touchdown pass from Johnny Unitas in the 1959 NFL Championship Game. But Richardsons reputation took a tremendous hit when he announced he was selling the Panthers on Dec. 17, 2017, the same day Sports Illustrated reported that four former Panthers employees received significant monetary settlements due to inappropriate sexually suggestive language and actions by Richardson. Richardson has also founded a fashion line Hardee as well as another food chain named Spartan.. The Panthers' 2017 Tree Lighting at Bank of America Stadium. He was not a close personal friend at the time. Jerry was a member of Bethel Temple for 30 years. Jerry L. Richardson - InkFreeNews.com He is also survived by nine grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Jerry Richardson Obituary (1944 - 2021) | Melfa, Virginia - Echovita Being a part of the inaugural season is something that I will never forget. The Carolina Panthers are a testament to his extraordinary and tireless dedication to the community.But his league-first attitude as seen through his leadership of numerous NFL committees, including the Stadium Committee and Management Council Executive Committee, helped pave the way for a series of public-private stadium partnerships throughout the country, and collective bargaining agreements that continue to support the growth of the game.As a former player himself, Jerry cared deeply about the welfare of players and the labor agreements he helped negotiate have led to improved pay and benefits for generations of players.From a personal perspective, he was a wise and caring advisor to me, his fellow owners, and many Panthers players and coaches over the years. From his headquarters in Spartanburg, he co-founded Spartan Foods, which was the first franchisee of Hardee's. Former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson died Wednesday night, the team announced Thursday. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Panthers Founder, Former Owner Jerry Richardson Dies at 86 - US News To send flowers He also bagged Colt`s Rookie of the annual award. He was fined $2.75 million by the NFL after an extensive investigation into the allegations following a story by Sports Illustrated in which four former employees anonymously stated they reached a financial settlement with Richardson in exchange for silence. '', We are saddened to hear about the passing of former owner Jerry Richardson. Richardson didn't stop there, either. He was my boss. He was 53. It is the largest gift in Wofford's history. Former Panthers owner Jerry Richardson's memorial service | Charlotte With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. [10], One of the few times in which he directly intervened in football matters came in the 201415 offseason, when he refused to re-sign player Greg Hardy in the wake of domestic violence events involving Hardy. He was 86. Robert "Jerry" Richardson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2021 at the age of 82 with his loving family by his side. Richardson began the process of building a football team in July of 1987, when he met with former Bank of America CEO and Charlotte icon Hugh McColl to discuss his dream of bringing the sport to his home state. As the teams owner, Jerry Richardson, made his rounds on the way to his spacious office, he would ask women to turn around so he could admire their backsides. A former teammate of Johnny Unitas who caught a touchdown pass in the Baltimore Colts victory over the New York Giants in the 1959 NFL championship game, Richardson only spent two years in the NFL before venturing into the restaurant business. The Panthers fell to the Denver Broncos with a score of 2410. [16], On December 17, 2017, Sports Illustrated reported, based on anonymous sources who were reneging on signed settlement agreements, that "at least four former Panthers employees have received 'significant' monetary settlements due to inappropriate workplace comments and conduct by owner Jerry Richardson, including sexually suggestive language and behavior, and on at least one occasion directing a racial slur at an African-American Panthers scout. Jerry Richardson would join George Halas as the only NFL owner to have played in the league. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' grandson won starting QB job at Arkansas. "I will always be grateful to him for the opportunity to coach the Carolina Panthers & for his patient, steadfast leadership during 7 seasons," Rivera posted. Springer wore a beetle costume o Irrelevant' pick on Toledo's Johnson, Chargers go all-in on TCU with Duggan pick in 7th, NFL Nation sizes up all 259 draft selections. Olsen and his wife Kara later named the child Trent Jerry Olsen after Richardson. [7][8] On June 10, 2020, the statue was removed. Sign up for service and obituary updates. June 10, 2020 3:06 pm ET. Richardsons tenure was marred by off-field issues. 51 joined the Baltimore Colts and caught a touchdown pass from the legendary Johnny Unitas in the 1959 NFL Championship game. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Richardson stepped into NFL draft in 1959 and got selected in the thirteenth round by the supremacy victors the Baltimore Colts. It was also reported he used a racial slur directed toward a team scout. Richardson was born in Spring Hope, North Carolina, in 1936. David Tepper bought the Panthers from Richardson in 2018 for a then-record $2.275 billion. Former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson died Wednesday night, the team announced Thursday. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. [16], Richardson was hospitalized in Charlotte at Carolinas Medical Center in early December 2008, one month after receiving a pacemaker. ", "Jerry Richardson gave me my first opportunity to be a head coach, and I'll always be thankful for that. [9], For the most part Richardson stayed in the background and rarely interfered in the Panthers' day-to-day operations. In 2007, Richardson became an investor in a team that . TEHRAN, Iran (AP) Iran's Parliament voted Sunday to fire the country's industries minister over alleged mismanagement amid widespread dissatisfaction with the government. Jerry and Shirley . A native of Spring Hope, North Carolina, he played college football at Wofford and twice was a Little All-America selection. Richardson died peacefully Wednesday night at his Charlotte home, the team said in a statement. Richardson participates quite actively as an NFL team member. He had a history of heart trouble and had undergone quadruple bypass surgery in 2002. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Subsequently, in February 2009, he underwent a heart transplant. He contributed a lot to the main character as being the CEO of the NFL, who, in 2011, made it to the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the National Football League Players Association. That kind of production earned him Associated Press Little All-America honors in 1957 and 1958, and in 1959, he was drafted by the Baltimore Colts. He was 86. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Rosser Funeral Home. The team said that moving the statue is in the interest of public safety. It has never returned. "Mr. Richardson taught me so many life lessons over the years and I will forever be grateful for the friendship and the bond that we had. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. We wish them much peace and comfort., .@nflcommish on the passing of Jerry Richardson. 2h ago. Unfortunately, his disgusting behavior didn't stop there. There, he began creating the emphasis on customer service that would carry over into his stewardship of his football team. Panthers: Why statue of former owner Jerry Richardson was taken down As Panthers majority owner, Richardson was said to be a "champion of diversity", with African-American Cam Newton as starting quarterback and Hispanic Ron Rivera as head coach. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. 25, 2023. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. But his league-first attitude as seen through his leadership of numerous NFL committees helped pave the way for a series of public-private stadium partnerships throughout the country, and collective bargaining agreements that continue to support the growth of the game. The family is planning a private funeral service. "No one on this planet appreciates that long journey [more] than Old Papa," Jerry tells @1053thefan. As Richardson was applying for ownership, his company faced legal trouble. [2] In 1983, he was chosen to Wofford's All-Time Football team as a receiver. Jerry Richardson passed away Friday, April 21, 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas. Jerry Richardsons contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic, Tepper said in a statement Thursday. The Spring Hope, North Carolina, native spent years trying to persuade the NFL to put a team in the Carolinas, ultimately succeeding through a relatively original concept of funding a new stadium through the sales of permanent seat licenses. New Colts QB Anthony Richardson will bring family and friends with him to Indianapolis, not because he's only 20, but because this is a package deal. As of May 2023, Richardson has an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion. By Joseph Person and The Athletic Staff. Jerry Jackson Richardson, 76, husband of Mary Catherine Spence Richardson and a resident of Melfa, VA, passed away Thursday, January 7, 2021, at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, VA. A native of Willis Wharf, VA, he was the son of the late Earlie Jackson Richardson and the late Nettie Parks Richardson. He began to slow down as he entered his mid-60s, battling heart issues. Richardson served on several high-level owners committees, playing a key role in labor negotiations with the players union. The 6-5, 245-pound . The gift is designated for the college's endowment with a focus on need-based financial scholarships and experiences for Wofford students. The Dallas Cowboys scouts and coaches did their homework on Texas All-Big 12 linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, picked in the . That allegiance to the league and his status within it also made him one of the lead voices for owners in the 2010 labor negotiations, in which he famously and sometimes profanely clashed with players across the table including Peyton Manning. Jerome Johnson Richardson Sr. (July 18, 1936 March 1, 2023) was an American businessman, football player, and owner in the National Football League (NFL). According to Richardson, Wofford has been the greatest influence in success in his life, with no other influence "even close". In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Turns out Deuce Vaughn wasn't the only Cowboys pick of the weekend who had a family connection in the Dallas draft room pulling for him. He moved to Guthrie in 1971. "I didn't pay any attention to it. Draft Wire. Allen was one of the few remaining holdovers from the Jerry Richardson/Super Bowl regime. Mar 2, 2023. He has donated a considerably big amount to the sufferers of the tragedy of Charleston. Career. Jon Richardson died of cancer in 2013. [19] Two days later he was placed on a donor waiting list for a new heart. Dalton Richardson of Pekin and Corey Richardson of Canton; one step grandson, Colton Etter; one sister, Carolyn (Gene) Allen of Lincoln; one brother, Bobby Richardson of Bush and one step sister, Joann of Lincoln. Jerry was a member of Pekin First Church of the Nazarene. ", "I will always be thankful to Mr. Richardson for providing me with the opportunity to play for the Panthers. He sold the team after an NFL investigation found Richardson guilty of sexual and racial misconduct charges that were first published by Sports Illustrated near the end of the 2017 season. The business expanded rapidly under his hands-on management style. No matter how much he has done for the Panthers franchise, it will always be undermined because of his past behavior. Good scout, good guy." Jets' Aaron Rodgers expects a 'heaven' and 'hell' relationship with Zach Wilson, Top picks Christian Gonzalez, Keion White reflect Patriots' ideal identity, Big takeaways from the NFL draft: A historic QB class, the rebuilt AFC South and new GMs thriving, XFL semifinals: Defenders roll Sea Dragons, set up title showdown with Renegades, Bijan Robinson shares that this is his second stint with the Falcons. Richardson was celebrated for bringing the NFL to Carolina in 1995, but his tenure with the team ended after the 2017 season amid allegations of sexual and racial workplace misconduct. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. VA and Christina Beauchamp-Nicoll (Scott) of Smicksburg, PA. Indianapolis drafted Miami tight end Will Mallory with the No. John Fox, who coached the Panthers from 2002 to 2010 and led them to the Super Bowl in 2003, told ESPN on Thursday that he and his family are "thankful'' for the opportunity Richardson gave them. He ultimately became a millionaire and used that money to purchase the Panthers for $206 million. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? For me to try to explain to you guys what this man has meant to me and my family and so many others would take a lifetime," Davis posted. "And he went above and beyond to bring comfort to a family at its toughest time.". Carolina Panthers founder Jerry Richardson died Wednesday night at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina. Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson waves to the Panthers fans during warmups prior to their playoff game against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on January 08, 2006. Jerry Richardson Obituary - Pekin Daily Times Jerry worked for Cooper Cameron for 35 years, before . He was a great friend of many people throughout the organization and played an integral role in the history of the Panthers in the building of Bank of America Stadium. Jerry and Shirley Richardson were married on October 30, 1964 in Fort Worth, Texas. ''I'm literally at a loss of words. 2 min read. Richardson is survived by his wife, Rosalind, son Mark and daughter Ashley Richardson Allen. Irrelevant' pick on Toledo's Johnson, Chargers go all-in on TCU with Duggan pick in 7th, NFL Nation sizes up all 259 draft selections. Jerry was raised around Chicksha, OK. But after his second season, he walked away from the NFL in a dispute over money, and returned to Spartanburg to start his business career. Well, if youre ready, lets start. [15] At the company's expense, the Panthers transported and housed a majority of their employees at the Super Bowl. Joe Person on Twitter "I never thought about not getting a franchise," Richardson said, expressing his trademark confidence. TALK-SHOW legend Jerry Springer wowed fans after he was revealed as one of The Masked Singer contestants in his last TV appearance only six months before his death. They addressed a number of key spots throughout the weekend, and head coach Frank Reich said he's excited to see guys compete for jobs under a new staff. Richardson's reputation will be tarnished forever as a result of the allegations. [5], On October 26, 1993, Richardson became the first former NFL player since George Halas to become an owner when the Carolina Panthers were unanimously awarded the NFL's 29th franchise. He initiated Flagstar Foods, which has turned out to be the 6th biggest food provision line in collaboration with one of his college mates Charlie Bradshaw. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Leonard, Johnie and Dallas; three sisters in law, Ruth Hamlin, Nancy Richardson and Margaret Richardson and one brother in law, Garry Turner. Jerry Richardson passed away Friday, April 21, 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas. Jon Richardson, the oldest son of Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, died Tuesday after a lengthy battle with cancer. Richardson sold the team in 2017 as a result of the allegations. It was expected at the time one of the boys might inherit the team, but that never happened. Jon Richardson, son of Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, dies In addition to his wife, Jerry is survived by three children, Karren R. Paglia and her husband, Michael, of Willis Wharf, Darren Hunt of Exmore, VA, and Christina Beauchamp-Nicoll and her husband, Scott, of Smicksburg, PA; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandson. The bad stretch for statues of old southern men rolls on. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton), NFL comissioner Roger Goodell, left, and Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson walk together during a break at an NFL owners meeting in Irving, Texas, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015. "Panthers and pro personnel director Matt Allen have agreed to part ways, per team sources. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Maybe you know about Jerry Richardson very well But do you know how old and tall is he, and what is his net worth in 2023? He sold the team to Tepper, a hedge fund owner, in May 2018 for a then-NFL record $2.27 billion. The following month the NFL fined Richardson $2.75 million for alleged workplace misconduct. Landing spots for top undrafted free agents: Who signed after Round 7? [3], Drafted in the 13th round by the defending world champion Baltimore Colts, Richardson played two seasons in the NFL, earning Colt Rookie of the Year honors in 1959. Try a week on us. 162 overall) NFL Draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts. [1] Richardson was an Associated Press Little All-American selection in 1957 and 1958. Afterward, he got an enrollment at Wofford College in Spartanburg, where he turned out to be a football player. He also had a policy where fans weren't allowed to remove their shirts during games. Richardson became its CEO. Conservative by nature, Richardson once cautioned Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton against getting tattoos and piercings after drafting the quarterback No. Read what national media sources wrote about the Panthers' full set of picks in the 2023 Draft. Panthers Roundtable: Is Luke Kuechly a First Ballot Hall of Famer? Panthers' owner's oldest son, Jon, dies at 53, LB Barrett's 2-year-old daughter drowns in pool, Deion 'ashamed' after only 1 HBCU player drafted, Sources: NFL eyes May 11 to release schedule, Teams set NFL record with 43 trades during draft, Jets coach Saleh: Rodgers making 'presence felt', Cowboys scout emotional as team drafts his son, Rams use 'Mr. Richardson was born in Spring Hope, North Carolina. Jerry Richardson, the Carolina Panthers founder and for years one of the NFLs most influential owners until a scandal forced him to sell the team, has died. Stephanie (Rivera and) I were saddened to learn of the passing of Jerry Richardson, former Panthers and current Commanders coach Ron Rivera said via Twitter. His height is 1.91 m tall, and his weight is 84kg. However both abruptly resigned before the 2009 season, reportedly at the behest of Richardson[12] and Jon Richardson died of cancer in 2013. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Rosser Funeral Home. Frustrated by slow NFL investigation, Jerry Richardson's accuser is speaking out again. This statue is a tribute to Richardson by the Carolina Panthers Partners. pic.twitter.com/9Cjn0PSYW2. He was dedicated to making the Panthers the team of the Carolinas, building Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte and making Wofford College the long-time home of the team's training camp. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 Thursday evening at the funeral home. "The NFL community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jerry Richardson. Jerry was born in Norwich, Ks and graduated from Cheney High School in 1958. Jerry Richardson. But in June 2020, the Panthers removed the statue, saying they were concerned there may be attempts to take the statue down due to protests and unrest following the death of George Floyd. Here's one of many reasons why, per the 2017 Sports Illustrated article that broke the story: "Friday was Jeans Day, when most staffers at the Carolina Panthers team offices would wear denim to work. Jerry Richardson Obituary (1938 - 2023) - Legacy Remembers Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to . Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Rogers Cemetery in Snyder (Mountain Park) Oklahoma with Bryan Gregory, Mike Halert, Shawn Wood, Cody Shouse, Keaton Jenkins, and Josh Richardson serving as pallbearers. He enlisted sports marketing executive Max Muhleman, and they put in place the first permanent seat license concept, in which fans paid an up-front fee for access to season tickets. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Jerry Richardson, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Colts QB Anthony Richardson, 20, will bring a support system of family I was told I couldn't get my company on the New York Stock Exchange before I was 40. Due to the allegations made against Dan Snyder and the Washington football franchise, the removal of Jerry Richardson as the owner of the Carolina Panthers has been referenced numerous times in sports media as of late. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 1 min read. Jerry was born on the 19th of August 1938 to Mr and Mrs Lawerance Richardson. Jerry Don Richardson Sr. age 82, went to the big mountain in the sky on the 29th of March 2021. "I will always be grateful to him for the opportunity to coach the Carolina Panthers & for his patient, steadfast leadership during 7 seasons," Rivera said on social media. He calls and says, Jake, the sun came out today at my house, did it come out at yours?, Delhomme told The Associated Press on Thursday. Jerry Richardson Obituary - Pekin, IL In 2017, he funded Wofford's state-of-the-art Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium. With the Washington football team's allegations being compared to these incidents, it is important to remind ourselves to call out sexual harassment whenever it occurs in our presence, especially in a business setting. I was told, 'You can't make money selling hamburgers for 15 cents.' Rest up my friend!''. He received a new heart on February 1, 2009, and fully recovered from the transplant operation. A public celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Also surviving are three sons, Randall Richardson of Delavan, Tony (April) Richardson of Green Valley and Terry (Sarah) Richardson of Canton; two grandsons, Dalton Richardson of Pekin and Corey Richardson of Canton; one step grandson, Colton Etter; one sister, Carolyn (Gene) Allen of Lincoln and one brother, Bobby Richardson of Bush. From a personal perspective, he was a wise and caring advisor to me, his fellow owners, and many Panthers players and coaches over the years.". He caught a touchdown pass in the 1959 NFL Championship Game from quarterback Johnny Unitas. He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. Jerry Richardson is the organizer and chief holder of the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League and an ex-player of NFL. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. Richardson was awarded the . "The NFL community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jerry Richardson," commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. Jerry was born on the 19th of August 1938 to Mr and Mrs Lawerance Richardson. "Richardson 'Tickled' Over Trade,", "Tepper's honeymoon phase: Stadium, soccer, statue", "Exclusive: New details on allegations against Panthers owner Jerry Richardson", "Former Carolina Panthers exec Jon Richardson dies", "Bears defense shines in 2417 loss to Panthers", Source: Richardson mandates Panthers be sold after death, "Super Bowl 50 Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers February 7th, 2016", "Here's why it's the right move for the Panthers to remove statue of former owner Jerry Richardson", "Sources: Jerry Richardson, Panthers Have Made Multiple Confidential Payouts for Workplace Misconduct, Including Sexual Harassment and Use of a Racial Slur", "NFL fines Jerry Richardson $2.75M after investigation", "Panthers owner Richardson needs heart transplant", "UNC Charlotte to name football field for Hugh McColl, Jerry Richardson", "Charlotte 49ers Name Stadium After Panthers Owner", "A controversial history: Timeline of Jerry Richardson's life, career and team ownership", "Wofford hosts topping out for new Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium", "Richardson gives record $150 million to Wofford College Endowment", "Panthers founder Jerry Richardson passes away at 86", "Former Panthers owner Jerry Richardson dies at 86", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jerry_Richardson&oldid=1148919519, This page was last edited on 9 April 2023, at 02:25. He retired in 1995. Wofford College | The Remarkable Jerry Richardson Catch up on the developing stories making headlines. Full list of Mr. Irrelevants in NFL draft history: Is Brock Purdy already the best final pick? He was a retired Law Enforcement Officer from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, member of Harborton United Methodist Church, Exmore Moose Lodge #683 and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1766 in Onancock, VA. I will always be grateful to him for the opportunity to coach the Carolina Panthers (and) for his patient, steadfast leadership during seven seasons. What accuser said Panthers owner Jerry Richardson did - Charlotte Observer R. Richardson Obituary (1938 - 2021) - Legacy Remembers Within a shorter time span, this line of food expanded to about twenty-five hundred eateries with nearly 100,000 staff members. Richardson also played for the Baltimore Colts from 1959 to 1960. All Rights Reserved. He was incredibly gracious to me when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful. Because so many events in his life seemed to be marked by football time, the procedure began on Super Bowl Sunday, as the Steelers of his close friends the Rooney family were in the process of beating the Cardinals. can stop at any time. Richardson remained out of public view after selling the team, continuing his charitable work and spending some time in his Charlotte office until his health declined. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton), Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme, left, talks with team owner Jerry Richardson, right, during the NFL team's football training camp in Spartanburg, S.C., on Saturday, July 26, 2008.