Willie Richardson, a 2003 College Football Hall of Fame inductee from Jackson State University, passed away Feb. 8. He was 76 years old.

The son of a minister, Richardson began playing football without the approval of his father, who only found out about his son's playing by reading his name in the newspaper.

Richardson became a starter in the second game of his freshman season after Jackson State lost their opener 52-6. Known as "Wonderful Willie," he became one of the most honored players in the great history of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Richardson was one of just a handful of players to be a four-time member of the Pittsburgh Courier Black All-America team. In addition, he was a three-time All-SWAC performer and a two-time NAIA All-American. In his final two seasons, he led the Tigers to SWAC titles in 1961, and again the following season as Jackson State claimed the Black College National Championship.

On offense, Richardson caught 171 passes for 36 touchdowns while also playing safety on defense. At the end of his career, the city of Jackson held a "Willie Richardson Day" that included a parade as part of ceremonies that retired his jersey number and named him the first inductee into the Jackson State Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the State of Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

Richardson was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the seventh round of the 1963 NFL draft. He played nine seasons in the NFL, appearing in Super Bowl III and earning two Pro Bowl selections. He finished his professional career with 195 receptions for 2,950 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Most recently, Richardson hosted an hour-long weekly radio show on ESPN The Zone 105.9, and he served as the color analyst for JSU's football broadcasts on the radio. During the football season, Richardson also hosted the JSU football coach's call-in show.