By Darin 
The seventh round of the 1963 NFL Draft delivered a generational talent to the Baltimore Colts: Willie Louis Richardson. Born November 17, 1939, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Richardson—nicknamed “Wonderful Willie”—transitioned seamlessly from a Black College National Champion at Jackson State to an elite, two-time Pro Bowl Wide Receiver in the Baltimore Colts’ high-powered offense. His nine-season professional career cemented a football legacy defined by explosive speed and crucial touchdown catches during a dynamic era of the NFL.
Background of the player
Willie Richardson, the Jackson State Wide Receiver and Safety, was the son of a Minister and his wife. The website footballfoundation.org reports that, due to the family’s strong religious beliefs, Willie secretly played football without their knowledge.
It wasn’t until Willie’s father was reading the newspaper one day that he learned of his very talented son’s gridiron exploits. At Jackson State, he was known as “Wonderful Willie,” and Richardson became one of the most honored players in the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s remarkable history.
Richardson was one of just a handful of players to be a four-time member of the Pittsburgh Courier Black All-America team and a two-time NAIA All-American player. In the 1962 season, with the great help from Wonderful Willie, Jackson State claimed the Black College National Championship! After his collegiate career had ended, the Jackson State Tigers retired Willie’s jersey number and named him the first inductee into the Jackson State Hall of Fame.
Willie Richardson became a card-carrying member of the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003. After school, Richardson became a seventh-round selection by the Baltimore Colts. Richardson played eight seasons in the NFL with the Colts and Miami Dolphins, catching 195 passes for 25 touchdowns.
Football Legacy
Richardson was a crucial vertical threat during one of the most dynamic eras of NFL football. His career peaked in the late 1960s as a star wide receiver for the Baltimore Colts. Known for his speed, sure hands, and ability to track deep passes, Richardson was a cornerstone of the Colts’ offense, helping the franchise capture the 1968 NFL Championship. This victory propelled the Colts to Super Bowl III, where he played in the loss to the New York Jets. His impact on the game and his alma mater extended long past his playing days, cementing him as one of the most prominent Black college players of his generation.
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
Willie Richardson’s nine-season professional career (109 games) was marked by high-level performance and numerous accolades:
- NFL Champion: 1× (1968, with the Baltimore Colts)
- Pro Bowl: 2× (1967, 1968)
- First-team All-Pro: 1× (1967)
- Second-team All-Pro: 1× (1968)
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2003
- Collegiate Accolades: 4× Pittsburgh Courier Black All-America, First-team Little All-American (1962), Black College National Champion (1962).
- Career NFL Totals: 195 Receptions, 2,950 Receiving Yards, 25 Receiving Touchdowns.