Arkansas became the latest school to have a sad and personal encounter with the growing coronavirus pandemic.
Former All-Southwest Conference defensive lineman Richard Richardson died late last week due to complications from contracting COVID-19, the state’s governor announced on Friday according to KATV.
He becomes the first state employee to die from the virus per the report and is one of the most notable football players in the region to have his name linked to the rapidly spreading COVID-19 outbreak.
“A lot of people are hurting right now hearing this news about Richard,” Harold Horton, Richardson’s defensive line coach at UA for two years, told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. “Richard was well-liked and well-respected by everyone. He’ll be greatly missed.”
Richardson, 60, hailed from Little Rock and turned into a force for the Hogs in the middle of Lou Holtz’ defenses. Nicknamed ‘Doughnut,’ he recorded 80 tackles as a senior and earned all-conference honors while also serving as a team captain. He also had three career fumble recoveries and a pair of interceptions as well.
After his football career was over, Richardson later served as a substance abuse counselor for the state of Arkansas.
The news of Richardson’s death comes as college football continues to be impacted by the virus. Workouts and spring practice have been canceled throughout the Razorbacks’ current home in the SEC and even current players such as Florida State offensive linemen Anthony Boselli have gone through a difficult battle with COVID-19 in recent days.