Introduction
Richard Todd is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. However, he is not just known for his skills on the field. Todd has also pursued a career in acting, appearing in several movies and television shows. In this blog post, we will explore the life and career of Richard Todd, from his early days as a football player to his later ventures in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Football Career
High School and College Years
Richard Todd was born on March 13, 1953, in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended Davidson High School in Mobile, where he played football as a quarterback. Todd continued his football career at the University of Alabama, where he played for legendary coach Bear Bryant. During his college years, Todd led the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 1973 and was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year in 1975.
NFL Career
After being drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 1976 NFL Draft, Todd became the team’s starting quarterback in his second season. He played for the Jets for six seasons, leading them to the playoffs in 1981. In 1984, Todd was traded to the New Orleans Saints, where he played for two seasons before finishing his career with the New England Patriots in 1985.
Acting Career
Early Roles
After retiring from football, Todd turned to acting and landed his first role in the movie “The Best of Times” in 1986. He went on to appear in several other movies, including “The Last Starfighter” and “The Prophet’s Game.” Todd also made guest appearances on television shows such as “The Love Boat” and “Murder, She Wrote.”
Chef Todd Richards
It is worth noting that there is another famous person named Todd Richards, who is a chef and cookbook author. However, he is not the same person as Richard Todd the football player and actor.
Legacy and Statistics
Football Stats
During his NFL career, Richard Todd threw for 20,610 yards, 124 touchdowns, and 161 interceptions. He also rushed for 14 touchdowns and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1980. Todd’s best season came in 1983 when he threw for 3,231 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Impact on Football and Entertainment
Richard Todd’s impact on football and entertainment may not be as significant as some other players or actors, but he still left a mark on both industries. Todd’s success as a quarterback helped pave the way for future Alabama quarterbacks in the NFL, such as Joe Namath and Ken Stabler. His foray into acting also showed that athletes could transition into other careers after their playing days were over.
Conclusion
Richard Todd’s life and career were marked by his versatility and willingness to take on new challenges. From his early days as a football player to his later ventures in acting, Todd showed that he was not afraid to step out of his comfort zone and try something new. While he may not be as well-known as some other football players or actors, Todd’s legacy is still felt in both industries today.
FAQ
Who is Richard Todd?
Richard Todd is a former American football quarterback and actor.
What is Richard Todd known for?
Richard Todd is known for his successful football career as well as his appearances in various movies and television shows.
What teams did Richard Todd play for in the NFL?
Richard Todd played for the New York Jets and the New Orleans Saints during his NFL career.
What are some of Richard Todd’s notable acting roles?
Richard Todd appeared in movies such as “The Hasty Heart,” “The Dam Busters,” and “The Long and the Short and the Tall,” as well as television shows such as “The Love Boat” and “Murder, She Wrote.”
What was Richard Todd’s career highlight as a football player?
Richard Todd’s career highlight as a football player was leading the New York Jets to the AFC Championship Game in 1982.
Did Richard Todd receive any awards or honors during his football career?
Richard Todd was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week twice during his career and was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.
