Sept. 27, 2002, Kansas City, MO; Chiefs fullback Tony Richardson (49) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
One of the top lead blockers out of the backfield in Chiefs history will receive lifetime recognition at Arrowhead Stadium this fall.
Former Chiefs fullback Tony Richardson will be the 2016 inductee to the Chiefs Hall of Fame, chairman and CEO Clark Hunt announced Saturday night during the 101 Awards banquet in downtown Kansas City, Mo.
“It is my pleasure to announce that Tony Richardson will be inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame this fall,” Hunt said in a released statement. “As a fullback, Tony’s selfless personality and physical ability paved the way for many team and individual achievements in his 16 NFL seasons, 11 of those in Kansas City.
“His durability was uncanny, playing in more games than any other fullback or running back in Chiefs history. He blocked for two of the top three rushers in franchise history. Beyond the field, Tony was a consummate professional and a leader. He left an indelible mark throughout the community with his philanthropic efforts. We are thrilled to be adding his name to our Ring of Honor.”
Richardson, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, becomes the 46th player in team history to receive the honor. The Chiefs will officially enshrine Richardson during Chiefs Alumni Weekend at Arrowhead Stadium in the fall.
The 6-1, 238-pound Richardson appeared in 163 games with 95 starts in Kansas City, totaling 1,576 yards rushing and 1,298 yards receiving yards and 24 touchdowns.
But he is best known as the lead blocker for some of the Chiefs’ explosive ground attacks, helping to pave the way for running backs Marcus Allen, Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson.
Richardson, 44, originally entered the NFL in 1994 as an undrafted free agent out of Auburn with the Dallas Cowboys, where he spent a season on the practice squad before joining the Chiefs.
He played 11 seasons with the Chiefs (1995-2005), two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (2006-07) and the final three seasons of his 16-year career with the New York Jets (2008-10).
NOTES: The Chiefs announced quarterback Alex Smith and safety Eric Berry were named co-MVPs for the Derrick Thomas Award … Cornerback Marcus Peters was named the Mack Lee Hill Award recipient as the Rookie of the Year … The team awards were voted on by players, and Smith, Berry and Peters were honored at the 46th annual 101 Awards banquet.
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Herbie Teope is the lead Chiefs beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com and The Topeka Capital-Journal. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @HerbieTeope.
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