Carolina Panthers team owner Jerry Richardson brought smiles to his football team today.
The 72-year-old drew applause from players as he attended his first practice since undergoing a heart transplant four months ago.
According to the Associated Press, Richardson, who has lost a considerable amount of weight since the surgery, said that he’s “doing great,” and repeatedly got out of his golf cart to shake hands with well-wishers.
A former Baltimore Colts wide receiver regarded as one of the most respected owners in the league, Richardson is known for being close to his players.
“He’s not just an owner by name,” quarterback Jake Delhomme told Steve Reed of CarolinaGrowl.com. “He’s one that many guys on the team have a relationship with and not just, ‘Hey how are you doing?’ It’s a true relationship where he knows your family and knows your kids.
“It’s something that goes unnoticed, but that’s the way he wants it. It was certainly great to see him out here. He certainly looks good. … It makes it more meaningful to work for him and an organization that does things the right way. I think guys are close to him.”
