Jerome Johnson Richardson Sr. (July 18, 1936 – March 1, 2023) was an American businessman, professional football player, and owner in the National Football League (NFL). A native of Spring Hope, North Carolina, he played college football for the Wofford Terriers and was twice a Little All-America selection. After graduating, he played two seasons in the NFL with the Baltimore Colts.
Richardson later became a businessman, operating a Hardee's location, founding Spartan Foods, and the CEO at Flagstar. He founded the Carolina Panthers, and was its owner from its first season in 1995 until selling the franchise in 2018.