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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 12:54 p.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2008

NFL: Panthers owner Richardson needs heart transplant

Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is in need of a heart transplant and has been placed on a donor waiting list.

The 72-year-old Richardson has been hospitalized since last week after complaining he didn't feel well. Tests revealed the need for a transplant. A team spokesman said Wednesday there is no timetable for the surgery.

Richardson has a history of heart trouble and underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2002. Doctors last month installed a pacemaker to control his heart's rhythm.

Richardson in 1993 became the first former NFL player since George Halas to become a team owner when the league awarded him an expansion franchise. The former Colts receiver caught a touchdown pass from Johnny Unitas to help Baltimore win the 1959 NFL championship.