Panthers' Richardson Ranked NFL's 3rd Best Owner - Overcomes Small Market Mentality

SI.com ranks the NFL’s owners based on the following factors: business savvy, devotion to league growth, aggressive pursuit of winning -- with one overriding consideration: If you're a fan of the team in question, do you want this person (or people) making the big decisions. It’s nice to see that someone recognizes that many NFL franchise owners are trying to win and are not in it for the money, period. The Panthers Jerry Richardson (JR) come in 3rd behind Bob Kraft’ Patriots and Jerry Jones’ Cowboys.

Charlotte is a small market, but you'd never know it from the way Richardson runs his business. Unlike so many of his sniveling peers, Richardson doesn't whine about his potential revenue disadvantages. Instead, he finds a way to make it work financially while fielding a habitually competitive team.

The Panthers have been competitive since John Fox was hired by JR and have actually only had one bad season in their history. Also, you never hear much from Richardson as he does not seek out media attention. You could also argue that the top owners take less risk in players with questionable character, the Cowboys TO withstanding. The Panthers dropped their starting left tackle Chris Terry a few years back after he had a single off-field incident.

There is no doubt Kraft, Jones and Richardson are committed to winning. I would like to further define business savy as: (1)properly evaluating talent, (2) getting the talent needed and (3) not breaking the bank in the process. One owner I think is over-rated is Dan Synder. Sure he spends a ton of money, supports the league and is obviously comitted. But he seems to make poor personnel moves. When was the last time the skins were in the playoffs? When are they going to realize they need a QB?

Count me as one fan who is a believer in Jerry Richardson and his decision-making.