The term "good guy" is not heard or used as often as it should be in the National Football League. In the media, we hear more about athletes being arrested than athletes lending a hand in the community. Every athlete in the limelight makes the choice to be tagged the "good guy" or the "trouble maker."
Minnesota Vikings' newly-acquired veteran fullback Tony Richardson has made the commitment to continue to be one of the elite "good guys" in the league. Take a minute to step inside the mind of T-Rich and learn what makes him a "good guy."
Hanna Loberg: After moving to Minnesota from Kansas City after 11 years, what will become of your charity work in KC?
Tony Richardson: I will still be heavily involved with Kansas City, still sitting on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club. Pretty much everything I've had going in KC I'll keep going because KC has been so great to me. Basically, I'll try to do just as much in Minnesota. [The] Rich in Spirit Foundation will stay in Kansas City.
HL: What sparks you to give back to the community?
TR: To me, that's what it's all about. As a professional athlete, we sometimes judge by how many touchdowns were scored or how many Pro Bowls they played in. But at the end of the day, I think ultimately we are going to be judged by the number of people we touch. That's something my parents always taught me, you can never run out of good things to do to people.
HL: Who did you look up to?
TR: My Dad. But once in the league, Derrick Thomas, Rich Gannon, and Lamar Hunt.
HL: Since you're known as a "good guy" do you feel pressure to uphold that?
TR: I don't think it's pressure, I think you just live your life being the person you are. You're under the microscope, but at the end of the day, I realize that I'm far from being perfect and I make mistakes just like everyone else. If you just stay who you are and don't do anything out of character, then you shouldn't have any problem.
HL: Temptations in the NFL?
TR: In the league, it's really a kind of fantasy life. So much if given to you because of who you are. Anytime you're in a limelight position, people may try to take you down or get you down the wrong track. In any situation, I always ask, what could go wrong in this situation? Will it embarrass my family or the organization? That is what has helped me in situations.
HL: Favorite thing about being an athlete?
TR: An opportunity to bring entertainment to a city. When a team wins, a city prospers. A person can go to a game on a Sunday and if they're team wins, they can have a great Monday. But as an athlete, it just gives you a platform.
HL: What do you value the most?
TR: My family. First and foremost, my family.
HL: When you have free time?
TR: I'm the type of person who loves to stay around the house. For me, a good night at home, a good movie, and dinner. I'm a simple guy, sit around the house, read, and relax.
HL: Favorite movie?
TR: Everyone throws out Scarface. One of my favorite movies, believe it or not, is Pretty Woman.
HL: Best coach?
TR: Dick Vermeil.
HL: Favorite Food?
TR: Pasta.
HL: Favorite hobby?
TR: A lot of people don't know, but I collect wine.
HL: Chocolate or vanilla?
TR: Vanilla. I'm allergic to chocolate.
HL: One wish?
TR: A cure for world hunger.
HL: Favorite sport to watch?
TR: College basketball ... Duke.
May 22, 2006
Pia Jackson:
TR is such a class act, I believe that is why he was loved so much by KC. We will miss you. I hope to see you back here when you are done with football.