Tony Richardson (American football)

Antonio "Tony" Richardson (born December 12, 1971) is a former American football fullback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for sixteen seasons. He played college football at Auburn. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 1994. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Richardson has also played for the Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets.

He is considered one of the greatest fullbacks in NFL history having blocked for 1,000 yards rushers in nine consecutive NFL seasons in addition to leading the Kansas City Chiefs in rushing yards in 2000. During those seasons he paved the way for the success of running backs such as: Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson, Chester Taylor, Adrian Peterson, Thomas Jones and Ladanian Tomlinson

Dallas Cowboys
Richardson declared for the 1994 NFL draft, but was not drafted by any team. He 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 1995. He started one game in that season, and was noted for blocking for Marcus Allen on his way to his 100th career touchdown. He later became the starting fullback for the team, blocking for record setting running back Priest Holmes and the most productive seasons of Larry Johnson's career. 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 was re-signed by the team on February 27, 2009. Following the expiration of his previous contract, Richardson, once again, signed with the team on March 16, 2010.

The Jets released Richardson on September 5, 2010. A day later, the Jets resigned Richardson upon reaching a deal with cornerback Darrelle Revis.

During his time with the New York Jets, Richardson helped Thomas Jones to two 1000+ yard seasons.

Richardson was the recipient of the "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award at the end of the 2010 season.

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. He currently resides in Long Island City, Queens, NY.